Phipps lose E14,000
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THE NEW pattern of bus services in West Dunbartonshire has lost E14,000 in two months, and Helensburgh-based Phipps Bus SerAces says that potential traffic is being abstracted by the Royal Navy.
Phipps, which introduced new services when Garelochhead Coach Service ceased operating on August 31 (CM, September 5), says it may have to withdraw two routes, a rural run from Ga-elochhead to Coulport, and a -iew service from Helensburgh :0 the McKenzie housing estate n Rhu.
And in the face of local opposi:ion, it has withdrawn applicaions to the Traffic Commisiioners for midibus services in Jpper Helensburgh. A public -leering set for last week was :ancelled, and a fresh applicaion for the existing services is )eing prepared.
But a company spokesman old CM this week that Dumber on District Council has failed to :ome up with the support he had ixpected, and the absence of )arking space has forced the ompany to park its coaches on iublic roads.
He went on to say that potenial custom on the two ireatened routes was being abtracted by Royal Navy non-pm/ uses which are carrying service ersonnel's families while 'Mops runs almost empty. According to the company, ither the Navy will have to cur il bus activities, the service rill have to be withdrawn, or trathclyde Regional Council fill have to provide a subsidy. The spokesman added that Phipps had cut fares back to a two-year-old level in order to attract passengers to public transport.
The fares scale formed part of the original package for a viable cross-subsidised network, and without the Upper Helensburgh route a subsidy will be needed although one Hensburgh local service is carrying around 1,000 passengers a day.