" Dispensation " for Higher Fares
Page 40
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
BECAUSE the first phase of ,a fare revision proposed by the Western National Omnibus Co., Ltd., and the Southern National Omnibus Co., Ltd.. left the Western Traffic Commissioners with "many imponderables,'; the chairman, Mr. S. W. Nelson. said at Bristol. last week, that it would be authorized " by means of a dispensation of the conditions of the licence, which will enable us to look at the whole picture when we see it in phase two."
For the applicants. Mr. T. D. Corpe had said that the revision was intended to introduce a logical and equitable scale for all fares.
It was proposed that the 21(.1. fare be raised to 3d., and the 34d. fare to 4d.
In some cases, the 24d. rate would be reduced to 2d., and the 3-1d. rate to 3d.; and it was hoped that these would not be raised under the second phase.
The company also sought permission to increase by 5 per cent, the price of
scholars' season tickets. Some of these had not, been raised since 1951, Mr. Corpe.added.
Although operating costs had risen by £111,000, the total yield from the
application was expected to be about 176,000. In fairness to the public as a whole, scholars' concessions might have to be removed intime. •
Devon and Somerset County Councils. and Taunton Borough Council, objected. Mr. IklelSon expreSsed surprise that. in Taunto.n, children over 14 had to pay full fare, whereas in country districts season tickets. givihg concessions up to the age of 18, were available.