Quick, cheap Europe?
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THE POSSIBILITY of introducing a cheap long-distance coach system in Europe — modelled on the line of America's famous Greyhound buses — is being studied by the EEC Commission. A firm of consultants has been hired to carry out market research, reports our Brussels correspondent.
A spokesman said the object of the survey was to find out if there is a requirement for rapid and cheap coach services between major EEC cities.
Research will also determine whether this demand is new or whether users will have switched from other means of transport.
The Commission's initiative has raised some eyebrows in transport circles. A written question from a European MP to the Commission suggest A that Brussels is "exceeding its terms of reference" — "Is it aware of the damage which such action may cause. to the interests of the railway?" the question adds.
But the Commission maintains that it has a duty to help create an efficient trans. port system at the lowest cost, and will use the details of the study when it decides on action to promote services.