B.M.M.O. to Apply Again Next Year?
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IF the effects of the Suez crisis were I as serious as expected, the Birmingham and Midland Motor Omnibus Co., Ltd., were bound to contemplate a further application next year, Mr. S. D. Herington said before a joint sitting of the West and East Midland Traffic Commissioners, in Birmingham. on Tuesday.
The company were applying for permission to add id. to single and scholars' return fares between 21d. and 8d., and ld. over 8d., and 2d. to miners' and workers' returns between 6id. and 11 id., and 3d. over Is. Oxford County Council were among the 23 objectors.
Mr. Herington said the cost of Suez to the company would be £420,000, some of which would be met by the emergency fare powers.
The main purpose of the application was to prevent the company's economy from running down. The return on capital in 1953 was 9.68 per cent. This year it was expected to be down to 3.24 per cent., and next year to about 2.75 per cent. "You get more on your money in the Post Office," he commented. Past fare increases had never 'met higher costs.
Mr. R. Brandon, B.M.M.O.'s traffic manager, said the proposals allowed for a passenger resistance of 4 per cent. In 'the last application, the 3 per cent. allowance was " very much underestimated."
The Commissioners said they hoped to give their decision early next week.
VEHICLES RUNNING EMPTY
I T was ridiculous to allow empty • running at the present time, said Mr.
W. Oultram, of Messrs. Oultram Bros., Frodsham, applying to the North Western Deputy Licensing Authority, Mr, J. R. Lindsay, at Liverpool, on Tuesday, to carry for Imperial Chemical Industries, Ltd., Northwich, within a radius of 25 miles with five vehicles on B licence.
Mr. Oultrarn said that the firm had carried for 1.C.I. for many years, buts because of his father's neglect, no licence was obtained for the work until 1952, when two vehicles were given a five-mile radius. Lorries were now travelling to Liverpool and Manchester empty, and if the application was granted, they could be fully employed.
Questioned by Mr. A. J. F. Wrottesley, for the British Transport Commission, Mr. Oultran-i said he had no figures or witnesses.
The application was adjourned to give Mr. Oultram a chance to take advice.
TAXI FARES UP 6d.
I T Was announced on Wednesday that • a new clause in the Hydrocarbon Oil
Duties (Temporary Increase) Bill would allow taxi operators outside London to charge an extra 6d. a journey to meet the higher cost of fuel_ The surcharge will end a fortnight after the extra Is. fuel duty is removed.