Private Enterprise Operation of Ulster Bus Services
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D OAD passenger operations in
Northern Ireland are being examined by the Ulster Transport Authority, at the request of the Government, with a view to an experiment to determine whether services can he provided at less cost than under the present arrangements in areas where losses are particularly heavy. This would give private enterprise an opportunity to provide services by arrangement with the Authority in selected areas.
The above move is revealed in the annual report of the Ulster Transport Authority for the year ended September 30 last. Published on March 4 in the last year, of existence of the Authority in its present form, the report shows a dramatic upswing in the Authority's fortunes, trading results being at the highest point since 1959. The loss of £637,619 last year has been cut to 1271,930, and on the road freight side there is a profit of £134,668 compared with a loss of £25,561 the year before, On the overall trading position of road passenger services, the loss of £76,963 in the previous year is reduced to £17,937 Agreement has now been reached, the report states. to extend one-man bus operation to ordinary service buses, and progress is also being made in re-organizing services where public support has seriously declined..The Government had also asked the Authority to consider—if necessary in consultation with Belfast Corporation—how best to secure the provision of more flexible and cheaper bus services in the densely populated parts of the developing areas around Belfast. Talks were immediately opened with the Corporation and consultations are now proceeding.
During the year under review 83 new buses were added to the fleet, all singledeckers. of which 80 were fitted with bodies assembled at the Authority's Duncrue Street workshops. The bodywork of 16 lorries, 16 vans and 35 trailers was also constructed on new chassis at the works. It is reported that negotiations for the acquisition of the Duncrue Street works as a going concern by outside interests have fallen through because of the present national economic position. The Authority is, however, continuing in its efforts to secure additional work for the shops.