OPINIONS and QUERIES SAVE US FROM ALLIES WHO SUPPORT THE ENEMY.
Page 37
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
The Editor, THE COMMERCIAL MOTOR.
[4427j Sir,—Many calls have been made recently for the sinking of individual difference, and for the avoidance of the selfish attitude which has existed among coach operators, and has supplied so much "meat" for the railway companies and the traffic commissioners. We were therefore astonished at the formidable opposition that was forthcoming at our recent appearance in the Traffic Commissioner's Court in London, when the hearing of our application for the renewal of our road service licence to operate between Manchester and London, with certain modifications, was before him.
The modifications applied for were : (1) additional picking-up points; (2) reduction of night fares ; (3) to operate a co-ordinated service between Manchester and London with the Majestic Express Services, Ltd., of Manchester.
The last modification was, of course, the most import-. ant, and it was to be worked in the interests of economy to both parties and to avoid "wasteful competition and mileage," which is as much our concern as that of the railway companies.
We were not interfering with any other operator, as it tended only to reduce the coaches being operated, but apparently we have raised a hornets' nest and the industry itself evidently did not appreciate that if t4e application had been granted it would have been a guide to other operators and have given them a lead as to whether public convenience and their own services would be considered in a little more favourable light. Someone must take the lead to try these schemes, but it appears that even the industry itself frowns upon progress.
We feel that in the event of our application not being granted a trial, strong action is necessary, that the time has come when an aggressive front will have to be used as a buffer against the, unsympathetic attitude of the Commissioners, and that strong action will have to be taken to prevent the industry being exterminated and those responsible for its control being treated like naughty children. Surely we are entitled to retain some control over our own businesses. Co-ordination is a safe means for overcoming the many difficulties which exist in the coach industry to-day, and to operate like this during the winter months, with corresponding increase or return to normal working in the summer months, would actually hurt no one.
It is quite true that the Commissioner was definitely not in favour of our proposals, but we know that other companies, as well as ourselves, felt that there was ample justification for our application, but when other operators (independent and combine) feed the furnace to burn us, how are we or anyone else to exist?
Further, regarding modifications numbered 1 .and 2. Additional picking-up points were in the application to assist the travelling public, who are often put to great inconvenience when they are compelled to travel short distances with a quantity of luggage. Again, the chief objection came from the Commissioner himself, who stated that too many picking-up points caused congestion, and that there are insufficient passengers to warrant them. Further, other coach operators themselves made remarks about the scarcity of picking-up points, but, in spite of all this, our application under this Section was also opposed, which makes us wonder if the coaching industry is still in the childhood stage, and it is easy to appreciate such remarks as "God help the industry." Whereas if they had offered no objection, but waited for the results, they would themselves (provided the application was successful) be able to apply for similar concessions with -probable success.
In view of the Commissioner's remarks and obvious objection to the application it will of necessity have to be the subject of appeal, and it is therefore ,perhaps unwise to comment on his actual decision, but we do say, "Save us from our friends who help the enemy to
damn us." CHARLES Y. LLOYD, Director.
Manchester. For Finglands Hire Cars, Ltd.