• HOW GLASGOW IS MEETING BUS COMPETITION.
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The Authorities Considering Large Fare Reductions on the Tramcars . and the Use of Motorbuses.
JF there was one place in the Ringdom which hitherto seemed• to be
proof against motorbus competition it was the city of Glasgow. Its municipal tramway system was an example and pattern to almost all the world, and certainly it appeared to be quite efficient as a whole. Yet it is now faced with formidable rivalry from motorbuses, and within the past few weeks developments have occurred which would appear to offer a distinct menace to its very
existence. •
On almost all the outlying routes recently taken up for tramway purposes strong fleets of motorbuses have now been placed by various private companies, and in each case the new vehicles are proving efficient, comfortable and adaptable. They are superior to the electric conveyances in point of speed, and their mobility enables them to mantauvre in and out of traffic when the tramcars would have to come to a standstill.
Their popularity is evidenced by the fact that the Tramway Committee of Glasgow Town Council and also the financial • .sub-committee has recommended a lowering of fares OV. all the long runs—a reduction of the maximum from 41d. to 2d. There is every probability that this proposal will be adopted by the corporation, for, if grave financial loss is to be avoided, some drastic steps of this nature will have to be taken, and that without delay if a large volume of patronage is to be retained.
The town council is applying for a Provisional Order to give it further powers with regard to the running of municipal motorbuses within the burgh and for repairing and maintaining such vehicles (a clause which would enable it to build its own engines and bodies has just been withdrawn). The inference is that buses will gradually replace trams in Glasgow streets—not, indeed, as one sudden, revolutionary measure, but gradually, as suitable opportunity occurs for the substitution to be made.