Workers' Fares to Go—Authority's Order

11th November 1955, Page 115

11th November 1955

Page 115

Page 115, 11th November 1955 — Workers' Fares to Go—Authority's Order

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THE Northern Licensing Authority has served notice on Newcastle Transport Department that he intends to abolish its workers' Cheap fares. It is believed to • be the first time that a Licensing Authority has taken the initiative in this matter.

The Authority's proposals are published in the current issue of Notices and Proceedings for the area.

For fares on trolleybus services, the action was taken under the Transport Charges, etc. (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1954. Power to deal with motorbus fares is provided in the Public Service Vehicles (Licences and Certificates) Regulations.'

Expecting opposition from Newcastle City Council and other local authorities affected, the Authority has fixed a public inquiry for December I.

At a meeting on Tuesday, the transport committee decided not to oppose the Licensing Authority's direction. A recommendation to this effect is to be made to the city council. Mr. I. C. Wake, general manager of St. Helens Transport Department, said last week that the Northern Authority's action might foreshadow the abolition of workers' fares in Britain.

The justice of workers' cheap rates was questioned by the chairman of the Authority, Mr. J. A. T. Hanlon, when he granted permission to Newcastle to raise certain fares (The Commercial Motor last week).

West Hartlepool Succeeds When West Hartlepool Transport Department applied last week for authorization to increase workers' rates, Mr. Hanlon agreed with the deputy town clerk. Mr. L. J. Hartley, that workmen's fares were outdated.

The application, which was granted, proposed increases of up to 6d. in the price of workmen's fares. The undertaking was also authorized to add Id. to the 3d. two-journey tickets, and 2d. to four-journey tickets originally costing fid. It would be wrong in principle to authorize higher fares on Sundays, according to the chairman of the East Midland Licensing Authority; Mr. A. G. Curtis. "It would be inequitable for passengers to be charged higher fares according to the costs of operation during service hours for journeys at selected times," he said, when refusing to grant permission to Grimsby and Cleethorpes transport undertakings to charge an extra Id. on Sundays.

Permission was given to both municipalities to withdraw workers' return fares, and to charge higher rates for dance and football specials.

Mr. Curtis added that the Authority realized that by refusing that part of the application concerning Sunday fares the undertakings would receive less revenue than they had estimated, and alternative proposals for making good the deficit would be considered.

. Grimsby Transport Department already charge an extra Id. for Sunday morning travel.