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Birmingham Council Supports Eatonways

20th May 1966, Page 44
20th May 1966
Page 44
Page 44, 20th May 1966 — Birmingham Council Supports Eatonways
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Political switch gives backing to city centre service IN a dramatic about-face, following the change of control of Birmingham City Council at the recent local government elections, Birmingham transport committee has now pledged support for the application by Eatonways Luxury Travel Ltd. for a city centre bus service. The application forms the first part of a three-part bid by Eatonways to provide some "revolutionary" new services in Birmingham and the Midlands (COMMERCIAL MOTOR, April 22).

The proposed city centre service would be over a circular route of about 2.7 miles in length, and would link airport services (already operated by Eatonways), railways, bus termini and car parks with the business and shopping centres of Birmingham.

Apparently the transport committee was vigorously opposed to the proposal, and a meeting had been arranged for this week to consider whether the transport department should provide an alternative city centre service. Following the gain of control of the Council by the Conservatives, this meeting was cancelled. Instead, Cllr. D. G. Lewis, who is taking over as chairman of the transport committee, has said that he hopes very soon to invite Eatonways to the Council House to discuss the application. I understand a meeting has been arranged for next month.

Cllr. Lewis went on to say that the previous decision to oppose the application had been rescinded, and when it was heard by the Traffic Commissioners the committee would give Eatonways their backing. The hearing has been fixed for August 8.

Eatonways expect that the service will require about four buses to begin with. The frequency of the service has not been finally decided, but Mr. D. M. Foy, managing director, told me that a five-minute frequency had been considered, and an even closer frequency might be necessary once the service had been established.

Two types of bus were being considered, either a Ford or rear-engined Albion Viking. Strachans bodywork would probably be fitted in either case, the buses being designed for one-man operation and employing a separate central exit. Chief objection to the Ford was the height of the entrance steps, which might be too steep for city work.

Looking farther ahead, Mr. Foy said that if Birmingham City Transport could be persuaded to terminate its city bus services at the perimeter of the proposed new circular route, he felt a lot of unnecessary congestion could be avoided. Traffic-free pedestrian precincts on the Buchanan principle should be established.

As many as 500 Birmingham City Transport buses could be tied-up in the city centre at the height of the peak period. If these buses were released from the need to enter the city centre they could be usefully employed providing better services in the suburbs, said Mr. Foy.

Derek Moses


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