THE PROBLEM OF PROTECTING MUNICIPAL SERVICES
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Strong Views Expressed to the Northern Commissioners A T the recent Newcastle sitting of 21.the Northern Area Traffic Commissioners, consideration was given to Newcastle Corporation's proposal for the protection of its tram and bus services within and without the city.
Absolute protection was applied for against the picking up and setting down of any one passenger by other companies operating within the city tramway area, including any route on which trams were not now run. It was also requested that no bus company should be allowed to issue contract tickets within six miles of the centre of the city, or for lower single fares than sixpence. Similar protection was asked for in respect of the Gateshead and District Tramways Co. and associated cempanies.
_The argument put forward by United Automobile Services, Ltd., was that corporation buses should not operate OIL any better terms than other bus ser vices. This company objected to the six-mile limit suggested by Newcastle Corporation for contract tickets.
A representation was made on behalf of Tynemouth Corporation and other local authorities outside Newcastle to the effect that they did not subscribe to the principle that Newcastle trams should have protection outside the area, the argument being that the public should not be forced to pay more just because Newcastle Corporation ran transport services outside its own area.
'With regard to weekly tickets, the Commissioners indicated that they were absolutely against the issue of such tickets for unlimited travel, and suggested, instead, the issue of 12 or 24 single-journey tickets at a reduction of 25 per cent, on the ordinary fares, these to be available for only the week of issue. The proposal was agreed to by United Automobile Services, Ltd., but this company wished to reserve its threemonthly, six-monthly and yearly tickets.