Defeatism in Passenger Transport
Page 36
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AA N attitude of defeatism appears to have been ..i.adopted by many coach and bus operators, who have become embittered by the defects of the administrative system. Such a policy is difficult to reconcile with the determination and enterprise shown, during the past 30 years, by the individuals who have built up a great industry. Are they, without further protest, going to allow it to be bound on all sides by intolerable legislation and restrictions?
All is not lost and, by acting in unity, the industry may be able to retrieve some of the liberty that has been wrenched away from it. Much could, doubtless, be done if every operator would pull his weight, instead of relying on the energy, far-sightedness and generosity of the minority. Moreover, the combine companies must cooperate with the independent owners. Rarely do the two interests meet on common ground, except in connection with fares, although the railway-associated concerns can hardly be satisfied with the existing situation.
The haulage side of the road-transport industry has furnished an example of national organization, which, although not yet complete, might well be emulated in the passenger department. Still wider benefits of organization would, of course, be afforded by the amalgamation of the associations of passenger and goods-vehicle operators, a development which may conceivably take place in the comparatively near future. Take courage, defeat defeatism and form a united front to carry out a fighting policy !