Small is beautiful

18th October 1980, Page 27

18th October 1980

Page 27

Page 27, 18th October 1980 — Small is beautiful

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DEVOLVED management is the only way forward for London's bus services, according to Chartered Institute of Transport president James Duncan.

In his presidential address in London this week, Mr Duncan, who is a part-time London Transport board member, said that those who advocate a Greater London passenger transport executive show a "classic case of hope and optimism prevailing over experience and reason".

He said that the establishment of eight operating districts for London's Buses has been a big step forward, and said that next year there will be district budgeting to ensure that each district manager is accountable for the net financial performance of his undertaking.

And he went on to quote Birmingham University Professor Ferns' experience in Buenos Aires where the municipal authority licences each bus route and leaves its operation to sub-contractors.

In return for the licence, bus drivers' co-operatives undertake to meet agreed standards of service, fares, and safety. They finance themselves and undertake their own maintenance, and even operate vehicles in different liveries.