Ribble Chief Gives Warning
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THE-financial results of 1956-57, when Ribble Motor Services, Ltd., had almost the same net profit as the previous year, were inadequate to preserve the lone-term interests of the company and its passengers. This was stated by the chairman, Mr. R. P. Beddow, at the company's annual meeting, last week.
During the Suez crisis, the increases in fares charged by the company would have left them far short of their financial requirements had it not been for the extra passengers carried, and for operational restrictions through lack of fuel, .he said.
As it was, the net profits were almost the same, in a year when increases in revenue conspicuously failed to keep pace with increases in costs.
The company were reluctant to raise fares, but the only alternative, as costs continued to rise, was a repeated lowering of the standard of service given to the public. At present, a high standard of efficiency was maintained, with an average of one breakdown per 200,000 to 300.000 miles. Government policy continued to baffle everyone. There seemed to be the deSire that road passenger transport should charge the lowest possible fares, and maintain many services—particularly in rural areas—which were not, and were never likely to be, remunerative.
Instead of help, however, there was a savage and selective tax of 2s. 6d. per gallon on oil fuel used by road transport—and road transport alone. There might be less cause for complaint if the money were used on providing better roads, but that was not what happened. The greater part of the special taxes paid by road users were still spent on other things.
Discussing the Ribble fleet, Mr. Beddow said that the first of a new batch . of 69 two-axled 30 ft. long double-deck buses would be in service within the next few weeks. They would have front entrances, and a seating capacity of 72. It was hoped that their use would increase the company's efficiency during peak-hours.