"Tours No Substitute for Bus Service "
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EEXCLIRS1ONS and tours were operated at the discretion of the licensee, and it was not a good proposition that they should be regarded as an adequate substitute for a stage service running to an approved timetable. Mr. H. J. Thom. chairmanof the South Eastern Licensing Authority, said. at Newport. last week. The Southern Vectis Omnibus Co., were granted permission to increase their summer services on the coastal route (rom Sandown, via Shanklin and
Ventnor to Yarmouth. . .
Mr. Thom added that fear on the part of tour operators that they wOuld Jesse business was no reason for refusing such applications.
The .application was opposed by Shotters, Ltd., Fountain Garage. Ltd., Bartletts Garage, Ltd.. 8ea View Services, Ltd., Messrs. F. W. 'Read, Messrs. H., Paul arid Son, West Wight Motor Bus Co., Ltd., Messrs. G. K. Nash. Messrs: Moss Motor Tours and White Heather Coaches.
For the applicants., Mr. Maurice Holmes said there was a growing need for a better service as more visitors discovered the attractions of the bays and coves along the "back of the Wight."
A year ago, the Authority granted an, extension of the route hut refused
additional timings. A year's experience had shown that, despite heavy duplication. they had not been able to meet the demand. Many people were left at bus stops on the military road to Yarmouth, and had had to seek lifts back into the towns.
Mr, 6. A. Macdonald, objecting, said the proposed service would link all roads round the island, making it possible for a round-the-island trip to be run by the stage services.
Another objection, submitted by Mr. S. Cushman, was that whereas the coach Operators were asking, for a 10s. fare for the trip round the island, it would be possible to make the journey by the stale services for 7s. 4d.
It was also contended that Southern Vectjs would yield an estimated additional revenue of £3,000, which could be only at the expense of the tour operators.
For the West Wight Business Association, Mr. E. A. McCu]loch said that West Wight welcomed any additional travel facilities for holiday visitors. Up to 2,000 people went to some of the little-known beaches, but many more were deterred by poor bus services.