Workers' Fares at Bristol End :

18th March 1955, Page 84

18th March 1955

Page 84

Page 84, 18th March 1955 — Workers' Fares at Bristol End :

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Two Big Yorkshire Applications (-RANTING permission to Bristol Is.-1 Tramways and Carriage Co., Ltd., to abolish workers' returns, the Western Licensing Authority. Mr. S. W. Nelson, said last week that it was time to end the anachronism. They ceased to be issued last Monday.

The Yorkshire Licensing Authority last week agreed that there should be an increase in the fares of the West Yorkshire Road Car Co., Ltd., but deferred decision on the extent of the increases.

It was stated that the company's costs had increased by £92,479 in a full year. The estimated result of the fare proposals was £88.122.

The proposals. which affected single. ordinary return and workers' rates, were that Id. be added to fares up to 5d., id. from 5d. to Is., and about 10 per cent., with a maximum of 6d., on higher rates.

When the West Riding Automobile Co., Ltd„ applied last week for permission to raise fares, the company's secretary. Mr. A. S. Witt, told the Yorkshire Licensing Authority that 70 per cent. of their services were unremuneraiive, and that they could not carry on without some revision.

They were applying to abolish workers' fares, monthly contract tickets, 12-journey tickets, and ordinary returns based on single fares of less than Is, Mr. David Karrnel, Q.C., for the applicants, said that the time had come to "abolish the small privileged class of travellers."

Increased operating costs would add £95,000 to the company's expenditure. Against this. it was hoped to regain £45,000 by the proposals.

If the application were refused, there would he an operating balance of £3,224 on total receipts of £1.729,750. which would not enable the company to pay the 6 per cent. Preference dividend of £7,633 which they were obliged to pay.

Mr. A. Goss, for the 17 objecting local authorities, said they considered the application premature. He thought the company were in a sufficiently strong position to wait until after the Budget.

A 2d. minimum and the abolition of workers' returns are among proposals made by the Thames Valley Traction Co., Ltd. They also suggest the discontinuance of ordinary returns of less than Is., the addition of 2d. to existing 10d.-1s. 11d, returns and 3d. over 2s., and revisions in scholars' and ordinary season-ticket rates.

Permission is also sought to raise the prices of excursions and tours run by the company from High Wycombe. Twenty-eight destinations are affected.

Modifications to svorkers' and ordinary single and return fares are also proposed by City of Oxford Motor Services, Ltd.