More One-man Buses for Halifax
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QNE-MAN bus 'operation, already carried out on two services, is to be extended by Halifax Passenger Transport Department. According to Mr. R. Mackenzie, general manager, it makes a " useful saving" irs operating costs and simplifies the staff problem. DriVers of one-man buses receive an additional rate of 15 per cent.
The "'department's staff problem is difficult. In the year ended March 31 last, 34/ appointments were made, but by the end of the period the staff had decreased by six persons. "In addition to theincrease in tuition costs," says Mr. Mackenzie, in his annual report, "there is the influence of a changing staff upon the standard of service given
to our passengers, the effect of which is difficult to evaluate," The department's financial position is also serious. An increase •in fares introduced last July will go only part of the way towards meeting the current year's deficit, originally estimated at £37,003. In addition, however, the corporation have to bear another £6,825 a year on account of a wage award made last March.
Passenger receipts are declining and a large proportion of bus mileage is operated at a revenue less than average cost. Although the corporation's. costs compare favourably with those of many undertakings, says' Mr. Mackenzie, revenue per mile is much less than is obtained by many, He recommends that the department's financial position should be reviewed before the end of the present calendar year.
BUS COMPETITION "TOO KEEN" rOMPETITION had become "too
keen" in public transport, Mr. W, E Lloyd, of Glanteify, Pontrhydfendigaed, Cards., told the South Wales Licensing Authority at Aberystwyth last week, when he was given permission to withdraw some of his bus services and to retime one service.
Mr. Lloyd said the services had been unrernunerative for a long time, because "too many people own private cars and others get free lifts."