UTA Seeks Fast Quiet Coach
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From a special correspondent THE Ulster Transport Authority, I which aims to get rid of its railways in the next 10-15 years, is on the lookout for a fast, quiet type of passenger coach to bring the convenience and comfort of air travel to its growing system of motorways.
A Leyland bus which is being exported to Sweden is understood to be one model being examined by the Northern Ireland government. There is, however, some apprehension about its cost, which is in the region of £9,000.
Ulster is now relaxing its state monopoly on passenger and freight traffic. Following the decision to allow road freight competition with the UTA, arrangements have been made with the Treasury in London to scale down Mr. Callaghan's tough 50 per cent Budget increase in commercial vehicle duties. In Northern Ireland, " by arrangement" with the Chancellor, the increase will amount to one-third instead of one-half.
With new industries being persuaded to set up in the area, the planned disappearance of the railways, and the ambitious motorway programme, the future for private road carriers in this part of Britain has brightened. Already, because of the extended competition, some freight charges are reported to have dropped by 50 per cent Passenger operators. too, are now being allowed to tender for some restricted services in a government bid to bring down fares which, under state monopoly, were reputed to be the highest in Europe. In an effort to combat these high fares and the £180,000 annual loss on buses, the government is inviting private operators to tender for feeder services into the trunk system in "selected areas ". But the more remunerative trunk services are for the moment to stay in UTA hands.