Fares: "Crisis" Figures Wanted
Page 33
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
LIEARINQ of an application for higher fares by Walsall Transport Department was, on Monday, adjourned by the West Midland Traffic Commissioners until further information was provided.
Mr. W. P. James, chairman, asked for details of the effect on revenue of emergency increases to trolleybus fares, the saving in fuel consumption consequent on a 6-per-cent. cut in off-peak services, and the improvement in revenue as the result of a greater use of buses in peak periods.
Walsall applied for increases of id. on some 2d. and all 2-1.d. ordinary fares; +cl. on Id. children's fares; Id. on workers' fares up to lid.; 2d. on those up to Is. 5d.; and 3d. on those above.
Mr. W. E. Bassham, deputy borough treasurer, said the higher fares asked for represented the minimum requirements.
Mr. R. Cox, general manager, said working expenses of £961,652 for the current year already showed an estimated increase of £21,762 caused by rises in wages; the cost of materials and services. There had been less saving in mileage than was first expected. A further rise of £64,546 was expected in 1958.
Mr. Cox added that the undertaking continued to economize wherever it *could, and vehicles with higher seating capacities were playing an increasing part. The council considered they could no longer give workers' concession fares on such a scale as before.
Objections have been lodged by Lichfield and Brownhills Urban Councils. The hearing was provisionally adjourned for a fortnight.