Operating Aspects of PASSENGER TRANSPORT
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HIGHER TAXI FARES IN, GLASGOW?
ANOTHER appeal is to be made to Glasgow magistrates by a hiring firm for permission to increase taxi fares. The present fare of Is. per mile was fixed in 1934. The firm state in support of their claim that there has been a big advance in operating costs, exclusive of higher prices for petrol, and that amended fares are necessary to make the service economical.
The application is being supported by the Scottish Horse and Motormen's Association and the Glasgow Trades Council, on the grounds that the drivers' application for an increase of 55. per week cannot be conceded until fares be increased.
PURCHASE. TAX—MISLEADING P.S.V. DEFINITION
ADISCUSSION took place in Parliament last week on the report stage of the Finance Bill. It concerned the seventh schedule specifying goods coming within the basic purchase tax and goods chargeable at the reduced• rate. Goods not chargeable under these heads are defined in the schedule as " tramcars: omnibuses, and chars-a-bancs," etc.
Sir Joseph Lamb moved to substitute for " omnibuses and chars-a-bancs the words " publie service vehicles as defined in the Road Traffic Act, 1930." He thought the result would be to clarify the provision, Captain Crookshank, Secretary to the Treasury, declared that he was not very clear as to the object of the amendment. The schedule meant exactly what it said The putting in of public service vehicles did not seem to be equally clear. The amendment was withdrawn.
APPRECIATION OF SLIDING DOORS ON BLACKPOOL'S BUSES
ONE seaside town which is benefiting greatly by evacuation is Blackpool, and its transport system has received many c9mmendations from visitors. One point regarding the buses is the use of automatic sliding doors, operated by switches, but these must be controlled only by the conductor. Surprise has been expressed that more of this type are not used elsewhere.
COAL GAS TO RUN BUSES
rONSIDERABLE speculation pre
vails in Burnley concerning the use of gas buses by Burnley, Nelson and Colne Joint Transport Undertaking. For some time this Undertaking has experimented with a vehicle run by coal gas and operating in the ordinary ser vices. Indications are that running costs compare favourably with other buses and several single-deckers may be converted for service, particularly at rush periods.
CARDIFF WILL HAVE TROLLEYBUSES
POSSIBLE difficulties in delivery might have suspended the scheme for providing a number of trolleybuses for Cardiff, but it was recently reported at a meeting of the corporation transport department that alternative arrangements have been made for the supply of 10 vehicles. •
The original order was with a Lancashire concern, but, owing to this being engaged on Government work, a London maker would guarantee delivery within 21 weeks.
The Ministry of Supply would receive many tons of scrap rails and poles, and it would probably be more economical to purchase the vehicles now than later.
Useful supplies of steel are being obtained in other places from old tram rails and this is certainly an argument for converting to trolleybuses.
GLASGOW BUS FARES PROTEST BY TENANTS
ORGANIZED tenants in Glasgow are protesting against the proposal to increase the price of bus season tickets. The Corporation has approved raising the price from 3s. to 3s. 6d. per week and limiting the number of journeys per week to 28.
Glasgow Council of Tenants' Associations has asked that a deputation be heard in connection with this proposal. The Transport Committee on Monday remitted this request to the general manager, but pointed out that the Corporation had already approved of the increase and was now awaiting sanction from the Regional Traffic Commissioner.