Operators Welcome Staggering O N the whole, passenger-transport operators in the
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industrial north of England welcomed the news that the autumn would bring compulsorily staggered hours to industrial establishments. An important problem facing traffic managers is, however, the possible effect of the spead-over of duties, and a good deal of anxiety has been expressed on this score.
Many transport executives felt that everything depended upon the total number of hours that services were required to keep running. Although it was thought likely that the peak vehicle position would be improved, the possibility of fresh staff difficulties was present in most people's minds.
"Generally Beneficial" "Speaking generally, I think that the scheme will be beneficial," said Mr. W. G. Marks, M.Inst.T., transport manager, Liverpool Corporation, "and I see no immediate likelihood of illeffects."
The difffeulty of visualizing the probable situation until there was a firm announcement regarding the extent of the staggering was emphasized by Mr. H. Bottomley, Minst.T., general manager, Ribble Motor Services, Ltd. He said that before drastic alterations were laid down, consultations should take place between representatives of industrial establishments and road transport operators, so that there should be no fear of demands being made for services that could not be fulfilled.
Obviously, where wholesale changes had to be made in working timetables and duty rosters, ample notice was necessary if adequate arrangements were to be made. Whilst in theory the levelling out of the peak should simplify matters for the industry, he continued. it was difficult, until concrete timings A28 were 'published, to foresee what would be the reactions of traffic staffs.
A North-eastern municipal transport manager commented that, at the present juncture, effects upon traffic-staff working hours were incalculable, and he urged the need for a speedy announcement to clear up the uncertainty. As in most cases it is impossible to increase • the labour force at the disposal of the undertakings, he feared that it might be necessary to introduce long spread-over duties.
A further possibility that is being canvassed at the time of writing is that of reducing the midday off-peak facilities to a minimum and, so far as possible, concentrating available staffs on the two ultra-long " flattened-peak " sessions that seem likely to occur each morning and night.
An authoritative source emphasized that the ultimate effect of staggering on road transport operations would depend largely on the extent to which the railways could adjust their services to meet the changed demand. Inquiries from electricity undertakings failed to produce any indication Of the extent to which it might be deemed, necessary to spread the load.
Certain of the Traffic Commissioners. it is understood, were to take part in consultations with Regional Boards for Industry during the current week, with a view to evolving schemes that would cause the minimum of dislocation.
Among suggestions put forward by Mr. George 'Gibson, chairman of the North Western Board, was one for the working of four days of 10 hours and half a day on Saturdays. On Monday, be emphasized that, when preparing staggering plans, employers must always seek the advice of local passenger-transport operators. District committees were being set up this week. STRONG EFFORTS TO KEEP DOWN MANCHESTER FARES
HEARING of Manchester Corporation's application for increased fares opened before Mr. W. E. Macve, chairman of the North-Western Traffic Commissioners, in Manchester on Tuesday (July 29).
Strong opposition to any advance has been evident among the public in Manchester and in the neighbouring areas in which the corporation undertaking has running powers. k)ificial objections to the application were put in by the local authorities of Sale, Middleton. Cheadle and Gatley. Failsworth, and Audenshaw, Manchester and Salford Trades Council, Manchester branch of the Constructional Engineering Union, Manchester and Salford Area Communist Party and Wythenshawe Communist Party.
The hearing was expected to continue for about three days.
GLASGOW TROLLEYBUS PLANS APPROVED
GLASGOW'S transport general manager, Mr. E. R. L. Fitzpayne' considers that the trolleybus, with "its greater silence, lack of obstruction, and smaller capital expenditure," will eventually take the place of the tramcar in that city.
He gave this opinion last week before a Parliamentary Commission in 'Glasgow, when he spoke in support of a Corporation Provisional Order seeking powers to operate trolleybus services along various routes in the city. Mr. Fitzpayne admitted that there were difficulties in the way of a change-over to the trolleybus, and stated that it would have to be gradual.
The Commissioners, after hearing the transport manager's evidence, gave their approval to eight proposed trolleybus services in the city.
MINISTRY AGAINST CHANGE TO MOTORBUSES
DARLINGTON Corporation has been asked by the Ministry of Transport to reconsider its decision to change over from trolleybuses to motorbuses, in view of the proposed nationalization of the industry.
The Ministry said that there was much against making a change at present, but it was pointed out that there would be no objection to the corporation's using motorbuses on new routes or to supplement existing routes.
GUY ARABS FOR SPAIN lkR. EWART GUY, a director of IVI Guy Motors, Ltd., has recently returned from Spain with an order for 30 Arab double-deck buses for Madrid. The bodywork will be built in Spain.
In an interview, Mr. Guy pointed out that if a seller failed to deliver goods to Spain by a specified date, he was blacklisted by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce. His licence was cancelled and it might be given to a competitor.
Mr. Guy said that the Madrid order was a direct result of plans put into operation by his company two years ago, when representatives were appointed in Spain to develop a widespread ,service organization.