Operators challenge new LTB powers
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• It is unfair to allow London Transport to compete freely for the business of other operators while preserving its monopoly in the London Transport area this "heads I win, tails you lose" situation is criticized by the Passenger Vehicle Operators Association in a memorandum which it has sent to the Ministry of Transport and the Greater London Council.
The PVOA maintains:—
(1) That it is illogical, while reducing its area to a more manageable size, to encourage London Transport to develop its business outside that area.
(2) That the development of express. excursion, tour and private-hire ser
vices by London Transport will not in any way benefit the public, as the new White Paper "Transport in London" claims.
(3) That the presentation in the White Paper of the historical position is grossly misleading.
The PVOA also emphasizes the need for operators to be consulted through their Association whenever their interests are affected, and asks for clarification on the consent procedure and control over matters relating to other than stage services.
Agreeing that it is in the public interest for the LTB to come under GLC control, and accepting that reduction of its operating area should improve the present situation, the PVOA points out that the proposed power for LTB to operate contract carriages, at will, outside its boundaries would be detrimental to its proper and primary function.
It would also be grossly unfair to the many small operators who for some 35 years have been virtually precluded from operating worthwhile stage carriage services within the ''monopoly area" and have built up private hire businesses. Except on country buses. says the PVOA. LTB has for many years virtually abbridoned the private hire business available to it within its area, but now wishes to operate hire services that have never been recognized as part of its function.
There will be a temptation for LTB to undercut private hire rates even though fares were being increased on the monopoly stage services, says PVOA.
The Association warns that if London Transport is given the proposed new powers then the PVOA will press strongly that other operators should be allowed full equality of opportunity. If London Transport was allowed to run outside its own area, then the independent operators should be allowed services in the "monopoly area" on level terms with LTB.