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Green light for commuter trial

18th March 1977, Page 28
18th March 1977
Page 28
Page 28, 18th March 1977 — Green light for commuter trial
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PROPOSALS to operate a luxury commuter service between Mansfield and Nottingham, by Rainworth Travel, Rainworth, have been given the go-ahead for a 12-month experimental period by the East Midland Traffic Commissioners.

At the close of a public sitting in Nottingham last week, the chairman of the Commissioners, C. M. Sheridan, said they were satisfied that as long as a fare differential was maintained, there would be no abstraction from existing services. Although not filled with optimism over the possible success of the proposals, the Commissioners had an opportunity to encourage enterprise without risk to the public purse.

The service will operate from Mansfield, via Ravenshead, through to County Hall at West Bridgford, with a journey in each direction on weekdays.

Seats would be reserved and a flat rate fare of -£21 per month will be collected in arrears by banker's order.

Peter Rogers, proprietor of Rainworth Travel, said it was attractive financially to car users, and he had first realised there was a potential for such a service when the "Nottingham Collar" traffic management scheme was introduced.

Results of an experiment in France, involving improvement of service levels, had shown a 56 per cent increase in traffic, most of which had been attracted away from the use of private cars.

William Gunning, traffic manager of Trent Motor Traction Co, said experience had shown that it was difficult to persuade people away from the use of their cars, "park and ride" schemes and the like having proved to be failures.

For the objectors, J. S. Hodgson said people used private cars because they were the most convenient form of transport for their particular needs. They did not use them 'because they were dissatisfied with the bus service and wanted a better one.

In reply, H. R. Tranter, for Rainworth, said the proposed service was an entirely new concept and was completely in line with the county council policy to discourage the private motorist and encourage the greatest possible use of public transport.


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