A Drive to Further Coach Travel
Page 31
Page 32
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
-POR some time it has been realized that the publicity of individual coaching concerns is entirely inadequate to counteract the intensive propaganda of the railways, the huge resources of which enable them to spend, on this account, sums of money far beyond the limits of most road-vehicle operators. It follows, therefore, that co-operAtive advertising must be under taken, and efforts are at present being made to put into action a publicity organization for the benefit of the coaching industry as a whole.
Already a certain amount of support has been promised for the project, but far more will be required before any considerable degree of success can be assured. It is hoped to keep the subscription of each member to a low figure, but the actual sum depends, of course, upon the support accorded to the Movement. The larger the number of members the smaller will be the cost to be borne by individuals.
Coach operators are urged to secure the cooperation of their local newspapers by keeping the editors of those journals fully advised of all developments and alterations in services, this class of information being of news interest. _ The progress of any campaign in favour of coach transport is, of course, hampered by the enforced attitude of the rail-associated companies towards the matter, because their position makes it difficult for them to participate, although, obviously, they would prefer to do so. When one reflects upon the number of independent concerns that is being absorbed by the railassociated organizations, one cannot avoid somewhat gloomy thoughts concerning the future of independent enterprise and, consequently, of a propaganda movement in favour of coach travel.
Nevertheless, there are still many non-associated companies, and if they rally to the call some useful results should be obtained. Even the one-coach operator can give valuable assistance in a movement such as this.
Wasteful Competition in the Hirecar Business
TITJRING the past 12 months or so there have been many ill-considered incursions into the hire-car business by concerns and individuals having neither an adequate experience of motorvehicle operation nor a proper understanding of running costs. Rates have been charged which have involved operating at a loss, and until the true economics of such activities have become forcefully expressed in declining bank balances, harm has been done to established operators who understand depreciation and interest.
Fortunately there are signs of Improvement in certain districts that have suffered and it is to be hoped that newcomers to the hire-car busimess who do not already possess copies of The Commercial Motor Tables of Operating Costs will apply to these offices for them.