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PRTAAPPTO merger possible
Page 50
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• A merger between the Public Road Transport Association and the Association of Public Passenger Transport Operators is still possible according to the PRTA's annual report, published this week. Discussions are continuing on the basis that the two labour organizations, currently serviced by the two associations, the Conference of Omnibus Companies and the Federation of Municipal Passenger Transport Employers, continued to function as separate organizations.
The report says that the PRTA warned the Department of the Environment of the dangers of "hasty or ill-conceived amendments" to the bus licensing system following the publication of reports on rural transport studies. The association felt that the studies gave no real guide to the problems of rural bus operation and licensing amendments could result in "very severe deterioration, not only in rural services but in bus services as a whole". Following the setting up of a working party the Associations met the Minister and he declared his acceptance of their arguments, particularly in respect of minibus operation and the need for protection of existing stage carriage services in urban areas. The Association would be consulted on drafting of a Bill before its presentation, the report says.
Despite a meeting between PRTA representatives and the Minister of State for the Treasury, and the subsequent preparation of a memorandum to the Treasury on the subject, the Chancellor did not reduce fuel tax in his Budget. The Association is to "continue to press for a more realistic definition" of express stage carriage services despite revised Regulations which raised the fare level from Sp to 11p.
The Association decided that the operational research unit established at the Motor Industry Research Association could not continue under its present sponsorship because of the increased expenditure necessary. However, the work is to continue under "the direct auspices of certain of the sponsors".