"Higher Fares Will Kill My Business"
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TE the East Midland Traffic Corn.L missioners went ahead with their proposal to increase some fares charged by Hudson's Bus Co., Horncastle, Lines, the company would gradually go out of business. This was stated by Mr. J. E. Hudson, a partner in the concern, when he objected to the plan at Lincoln, last week.
"I have carried on this business all my life, and I have been operating the present fares for two years and five months," he said. "I do not want to see traffic disappear by putting up my fares. At present my business is on a very sound footing."
The Commissioners had given notice of the proposed increases after receiving complaints from the Lincolnshire Road Car Co., Ltd., that Hudson's were undercutting them on some common routes. They had asked that the small company's fares should be brought into line.
During his four hours under examination, Mr. Hudson said he was a practical man, and knew nothing about fares and costs per mile. Figures in the case had been prepared by his accountants. He declared that he would not object if Lincolnshire Road Car lowered their fares to his level and provided equal competition, as he did not want to undercut them.
To support Hudson's case a petition containing 763 signatures was handed to the Commissioners by three regular passengers. Mr. J. F. Parsons, who had prepared it, said Hudson's gave more consideration to passengers, provided a better service than their competitors, and ran better buses. Further support came from Kesteven Association of Parish Councils and Horneastle Urban District Council.
Mr. J. Samuel Gibbon, for Lincolnshire Road Car, submitted that the Commissioners would have to come to an unpopular decision in face of ill informed public opinion. People living on the routes were bound to think that it was in their interests for the fares not to be increased.
The Commissioners will announce their decision later.