Second Order to Raise Fares: Loss of Traffic?

21st September 1956, Page 91

21st September 1956

Page 91

Page 91, 21st September 1956 — Second Order to Raise Fares: Loss of Traffic?

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FOR the second time in less than eight 1 months, Messrs. Brimblecombe Bros., Wokingham, have been ordered by the South Eastern Licensing Authority to raise fares on their excursions to south-coast resorts. The case, heard at Reading last week was initiated by the Licensing Authority "in order to prevent wasteful competition."

In February, following objection by Smith's Luxury Coaches (Reading), Ltd., Brimblecombe Bros., were ordered to increase the charge on their excursions from Wokinghain and Bracknell to Brighton and Worthing from 7s, 6d. to 10s. Last week, the charge was raised to 12s.

Other rises in February were: Bognor, 7s. 6d. to 8s. 9d. (now 10s. 9d.); Littleharnpton, .7s. 6d. to 10s. (I2s.); Portsmouth, 7s. to 8s. (10s.). The charges for excursions to Eastbourne and Hastings, which were untouched in February, have now been increased, respectively, from 12s. to 12s. 6d. and from I5s. to 15s. 6d.

Mr. R. 1. Thom, chairman, said last week: "It may seem a strange move by the Authority to initiate an increase in fares which, on the face of it, appear to be in the public interest. The fact is that under the system, as it affects fares between the Same points on similar routes they must be the same.

"In this case an increase in fares was granted to Smith's Luxury Coaches after hearing evidence of need, and these services arc regularly operated in accordance with a time-table.

"Brimblecombe Bros. in certain cases operate excursions and tours between the same points covered by Smith's. and as we believe it our duty to act in the public interest, we must raise the fares to correspond with the fares of Smith's, "The essential matter is that Smith's services have to be operated regularly in accordance with a time-table, and they provide single and return fares. It would not he in thepublic interest that excursions and tours which arc operated at will by Brimblecombe, as and when he thinks he can make it a remunerable proposition, should be able to compete with Smith's, which carry out services in all weathers, whether they like it or not."

Mr. Gerant Rees. for Brimblecombe Bros., said it would not be just or equitable that the fares should be raised to the extent proposed.

Mr. Norman Lawrence, Brimblecombe Bros.' traffic manager, said they might lose as many as 50 per cent. of their passengers next year if they were forced to increase fares.

Saying the Authority must implement the proposal, Mr. Thom added: "We still consider it is in the public's interest. In our opinion the revenues of regular services must be preserved."

B.R.S. CONTRACT SALES DRIVE

AN indication of British Road. Services' keenness to expand their contract-hire activities is given by the attractiveness of a new folder containing coloured leaflets describing the facilities offered. An emphasized selling point is that a customer's existing • vehicles may be purchased and operated.

Most of the leaflets describe types of vehicle available, although these are not mentioned by make. Vehicles operated by B.R.S. (Contracts), Ltd., and B.R.S. (Pickfords), Ltd., for well-known companies are illustrated.