33% Increase Claim Ci Nonsense " VIR. P. N. GRAY,
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general manager IVI of Aldershot and District Traction Co., ltd., on Tuesday described as " absolute nonsense" an allegation by objectors that the company were asking for an average increase of 33+ per cent. in fares on rural services.
The company's application for higher fo.res was granted by the . Metro= politan and South Eastern Licensing Authorities. Hambledon and Bagshot Ru r al District Councils objected. Eleven other local authorities who had signified objection withdrew.
Mr. A. Shepley, for the objectors, submitted that the rural areas would he called upon to pay an unfair share of the proposed increases. The reason for Hambledon and Bagshot councils being the only remaining objectors was that urban authorities were not affected .ry " this latest twist in the inflationary spiral."
Mr. F. A. Stockdale, for the company. said that wage increases awarded in November would cost £47,500 a year. The application, if granted, isiould bring ia about £25,000, and the _company would absorb the remaining £22,500.
The company had 17,935 fare stages.They wished to increase fares on 8,112. and to reduce those on 445. Most of the proposals Concerned utiremunerative services.
FP.s/re proposals by many More operators are reported on page 735.1
SMOKY. BUS: OPERATORS FINED THE Colombo. magistrate. has fined the Sri Lanka Bus Co. Rs.75 for using a, bus that emitted excessive exhaust smoke and caused "annoyance and inconvenience to any person." Decisions in several similar cases had hecn postponed pending the outcome of the Sri Lanka summons.
The company pleaded that once a bus owner toMplied with the requirerictus of the Motor Traffic Act at the time of registration; he was no longer bound by law to maintain his vehicle in the same roadworthy condition.
The introduction of oil-engined buses in Colombo was stated to have led to a number of buses emitting excessive exhaust smoke.
VEHICLE RECORD IN CEYLON? A RECORD number of vehicles is P-1 expected to be licensed, in Ceylon this year. Latest figures show that there are l6,000 goods vehicles and 4,425 buses in the country. Licence fees last year raised about Rs.3m. They have been increased and the 1956 revenue is expected to he Rs.5m.