National Travel tightens up
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OPERATING staff and vehicles have been cut back in at least two of the five regions of National Travel to increase efficiency and bring more modern vehicles into the fleet.
In the South East region the fleet has been cut from 200 to 140 for 1976 and the average vehicle age will then be three years. "A review of our vehicle use in 1975 showed that on too many days we had vehicles in the garage without work or in a poor mechanical state," said general manager John Wilson in a letter to staff. "Many rumours have been • circulating about our alleged imminent collapse or takeover but I must confirm that we are budgeting to make a small profit in 1976 and so are fully supported by National Bus to stay in business."
At the end of the 1975 coaching season a total of 46 drivers were redundant—but these were staff employed specifically for the season. Four office staff have also been made redundant and over-age staff retired.
In the South West the number of staff will be the same for the 1976 season but the vi cle situation is more comp as old vehicles are at pres being brought in from ot companies to replace the Da lers operated by Black White. The North West reg has been shedding staff as the coach routes go over one-man operation and cond tors are dispensed with.
In the North East reg National Travel are short drivers of the right stand and are making no change: their fleet size.