IRO ittigibua speNtima
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I read with interest and fear the report 'Help us, plead minibus drivers," (CM, January 7) about a working party of representatives of voluntary organisations.
As a minibus operator of some years standing, I think licensing of vehicles should be more strict. No one should be able to purchase a psv unless he has a badge for, say, two years, or has worked for someone for that length of time.
Here in Glasgow I am fed up with people asking the price of a journey, then telling me I am too dear and quoting a price of half of mine. Then you find out a legal operator could riot do the same journey for half the cost.
You see this at holiday camps, or caravan sites at holiday time. People beg you for a seat in your minibus to get them back home. I have even seen youngsters selling shirts and jackets to raise the cash to catch a service bus home.
These voluntary organisations are a menace to coach operators. There are some here in Glasgow who run ladies to bingo halls from one district to another. They should have to pay like all operators the: heavy insurance; operator's licence (E45), and the cost of vehicles regularly serviced. There should also be a crack dowil on private minibuses who are only of the psv type.
The CM report really surprised me. I have already had two cases of people quoting me ridiculously low fares, in one week, from other operators — operators I must assume to be pirates.
I also notice this survey was carried out on English voluntary organisations, and not coach operators. I just hope the suggestions put forward do not get anywhere, or there will be more people out of work. They are stupid demands, made by people who do not know that operators have to earn a living.
W. S MATHESON
Millers ton, Glasgow.