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CROSVILLE TO ABOLISE

11th October 1957
Page 44
Page 44, 11th October 1957 — CROSVILLE TO ABOLISE
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

No Co-operation in Staggering Hours : Big Undertakings Granted Higher Fares HE policy of Crosville Motor Services, Ltd., is gradually to abolish concessionary fares, the North Western Traffic Commissioners . were told.last week. The company could gain no co-operation in staggering hours, said Col. E. Roberts, assistant general manager. As a result, nearly 1,000 vehicles were used at peak periods, of which 387 were idle between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

To keep up workers' and scholars' services they were maintaining 20 vehicles which ran fewer than 100 miles a week, 40 running fewer than 200 miles, 59 not more than 300 miles and 80 fewer than 400 miles.

. The Commissioners granted increases in single and ordinary return fares from 4id. upwards, and higher charges for workers' returns, scholars' tickets and contract tickets. Col. Roberts said the new scale would yield an extra £225,000 in a full year. It will come into force on Sunday.

Rig Cut in Mileage

Mn G. H. P. Beames, for the company, said there had 'already been a considerable reduction in mileage, and the use of one-man and small buses all over the company's area was a further economy. However, they were faced with increased costs of £218,000 a year, and fares resistance was now. serious.

Last January, a profit of £329,000 for the year ending, December 31, 1957, was expected. The present estimated net income, before tax, was £218,750, and for 1958, 182,900. if the application were,granted income in 1957 would be £250,250, and in 1958, £307,900. The capital employed in the business amounted to £5,067,535, giving the modest return in 1957 of 4.94 per cent., and in 1958, 6.07 per cent.

Mr. J. Amphlett, for the Ll_ndudno and Colwyn Bay Electric Railway, said Crosville passengers were being asked to subsidize a private war between the company and the Electric Railway. There was much wasteful competition and at least £5,000 a year could be saved by reductions during the winter season.

Moderate Yield The chairman, Mr. F. Williamson, said although 700 services would be affected, the yield on capital was moderate. The objection by the Electric Railway should be considered, and if' the mileage was excessive and wasteful, the service ought to be reduced.

When the West Riding Automobile Co., Ltd., asked for revised and increased fares on 248 routes, with revised and reduced frequencies on 37, Mr. W. R. Hargrave told the Yorkshire Commissioners: "The financial picture now' before my clients is sickening.They had to find revenue to cover increased costs of £108,000 in a full year.

The company had expected to receive an extra £74,395 from their last fare increases, but instead there had been a

diminishing revenue at the . rate of £41,000 a year. The present estimated deficit on a full year's working was £223,500, and even if the new fares application were granted there would be a deficiency of £103,550. Reduced frequencies would save £37,500 a year.

The Commissioners granted the application, which will put fares on a mileage scale. The original 21c1. minimum will go down to 2d., and stages beyond that will be: up to 1.6 miles, 3d.; 2.8 miles, 4d.: 3 miles, 5d., and ld. a mile afterwards.

Contract Proposals Changed The, company also proposed that monthly contract tickets should be based on single fares, with a minimum charge of £1 8s. on an 8d. single. However, the Commissioners decided that there would be hardship for contract ticket holders on 6d. and 7d. journeys.

Maj. F. S. Eastwood, chairman, said the 6d. contract would go up .from 19s. 6d. to El 2s., and the 7d. from El 3s, to '6s. It would be limited to existing holders, with no new issues.

W. Gash and Sons, Ltd., Newark, were granted increases by the East Midland Traffic Commissioners, ranging from id, to 3d. All workmen's faros are raised by 2d., and there is a Id. increase on the R.A.F. service between Newark and Syerston.

Mr. William Gash told the Commissioners that last year the company made a profit of £2,500, but extra costs this year amounted to £4,000. They hoped to gain £3,700 by the increases, but he doubted whether this sum would materialize.

Dundee Application Granted

An immediate increase, which will abolish the present 2d. minimum, was granted to Dundee Corporation by -the Scottish Commissioners. The new minimum of 3d. will cover 14 miles, and other stages are adjusted on the basis of the higher fares operated during the Suez emergency.

The Commissioners were told that there was an estimated 'deficit of £82,000 on the current financial year, ending May 15 next. The new fares would wipe this out, and in a full year would yield an extra £135,000. Of this, £50,000 would be set aside for the cash purchase of new buses, replacing the system of buying on borrowed money.


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