Withdrawal of £42,000 Fares Application
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AN application for increased express bus fares which would yield £42,000, was withdrawn by Ribble Motor Services, Ltd.. before the Yorkshire Traffic Commissioners at Leeds last week because of the Budget relief on licence duties. The firm were granted increases on stage service fares and contracts on 36 routes subject to the withdrawal of the express route application.
Mr. R. D. Walker, for the firm, said that increases were estimated to produce an additional £175,000 in a full financial year. Since the last review of fares, National Insurance contributions and increased wages amounted to an estimated £138,000 in a full year. The difference of £37,000 was required to make provision for the accumulated deficiencies suffered in recent years, and provide for the replacement of the bus fleet.
' Because of the Budget assistance in licence duties the company would save £56,000 a year and they asked not to be allowed to make the increases in express service fares, which would raise £42,000. That left a difference of £14,000 but it would be appreciated they were dealing with estimates, and the difference between a wet or fine weekend could be as much as £10,000.
MERTON LOADER GIVES GOOD FORWARD VIEW
A FORDSON tractor unit is the basis r A. for the latest Merton loading shovel, with controls modified to allow the operator's cab to be mounted directly over the front wheels. This gives an unobstructed view of the bucket and the ground ahead. It makes for easier control of the bucket and accuracy in approaching vehicles or hoppers.
The hydraulic linkage for the shovel (a 1-cu.-yd. bucket is fitted as standard) permits a loading height of 10 ft. 6 in. or 12 ft., with a forward reach of 2 ft. at the higher level. The payload is 2,800 lb.
Known as the Frontloader 59 and manufactured by the Merton Engineering Co., Ltd., Faggs Road, Feltham, Middx., the shovel is powered by a Ford fourcylindered oil engine producing 54 b.h.p. at 1,800 r.p.m. With a turning circle of 33 ft., it has six forward speeds and two in reverse. The maximum speed is 12.45 m.p.h.
Additional equipment which can be fitted to the basic unit includes a bulldozer blade,. crane and fork-lift attachments, and a Holman compressor.
THORNYCROFT'S PROBLEM
ILAIGHT years of purchase tax on goodsvehicle chassis, coupled with threats to renatinitalize road haulage and difficulties in export markets, have reduced the turnover of Transport Equipment (Thornycroft), Ltd., and increased costs, the directors say. The company continue to operate at a loss.. The policy of concentrating on specialized vehicles will take time to show results.
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