Operators Seeking • Quicker Journeys
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IF applications by several Lancashire operators are successful, journey times between the North and London will be substantially reduced. At a three-day public inquiry in Manchester, the North Western Road Car CO. Ltd. and the Birmingham and Midland Motor Omnibus Co. Ltd., applied to modify some of their London services by using the new M6 motorway.
Mr. F. D. Walker, for these operators, said that similar applications would also be heard by Yelloway Motor Services Ltd., Scout Motor Services Ltd. and W. C. Standerwick Ltd., and many of his remarks would also apply to these. The Commissioners reserved their decision.
The opening of the MI motorway had reduced journey times in 1960, said Mr. Walker, the use of the M6 would reduce them still further, and the services would be remodelled accordingly. There would also be services from Manchester via Stockport and Macclesfield, and a new service via Buxton, both finally joining up with the M1. All vehicles to be used on the services would be taken from the authorized monthly aggregate.
Many people used these services travelling to South coast resorts, continued Mr. Walker. It would now be possible to perform the round trip between the two cities in a day which would help to hold down the fare levels.
Mr, D. L. Fytche, traffic manager of North Western, said there would be a minimum running time between Manchester and London of five hours, and once joining the motorway the vehicles would proceed non-stop to the capital.
Robinson Decision Reserved
THE decision on an application by W. Robinson and Sons Ltd. of Great Harwood, Lancs, for two new picking-up points and two feeder services to Knotsford on extended holiday tours, was reserved by the North Western Traffic Commissioners in Manchester this week.
It was submitted by Mr. D. Hall: for Robinson, that the company's carrying capacity had increased by 800 in 1963 and 20 customer witnesses were called to support the application.
Mr. M. Booth, objecting for Stanley Spencers Tours Ltd., Happiway Tours Ltd., Florence Motors Ltd. and Smiths Tours Ltd., said that for many people a picking-up point at either Ashton-inMakerfield or Whitefield, the points applied for, would mean travelling backwards and passing their own homes once settled in the bus. "It is not true to say that if the points are granted no abstraction will be caused," he contended.
Ribble, Standerwick and Scout also objected.