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Bus Companies Accused by 15 Councils
Page 49
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ALLEGATIONS that some South Wales bus companies had "feathered their nests" through fare increases gained by putting forward incorrect figures were made at Cardiff, on Monday, by Mr. Alun T. Davies. He was appearing for 15 local authorities who appealed against fare revisions granted to 12 operators by the South Wales Traffic Commissioners.
Mr. Davies claimed that companies controlled by the British Electric Traction Co., Ltd., had gone to the Traffic Commissioners time after time with figures that proved to be wrong. The Commissioners had ignored "glaring mistakes " brought to light.
Twels4 authorities appealed against increoses granted to the Western Welsh Omnibus Co., Ltd., whilst Red and White ' Services, Ltd.. and the Rhondda Transport Co.. Ltd., each faced six appeals. The other operators were the South Wales Transport Co., Ltd. .(three appeals); United Welsh Services. Ltd. (two);
Bebb, Ltd.; Edwards Bros.; A. and F. Maisey; Cardiff Corporation; Caerphilly U.D.C.'; Pontypridd U.113.C.;. and . West Monmouthshire Omnibus Board (all one appeal).
Mr. Davies said the operators had all had fare increases allowed, and proposed to discontinue • three-monthly season tickets, except those where the single fare was more than Is.
The attack was mainly directed at the B.E.T., he added, because British Transport Commission companies had made a genuine attempt to present figures which were readily understood.
On Tuesday, Mr. Davies said South Wales Transport had made no sacrifice to meet £87,000 increased costs, but had asked for £85,000 increased revenue. Unlike other companies, they had not put forward any programme for economies or increased efficiency. In 1956, they had paid 120,000 dividends in excess of gross profits—the highest dividend of all the South Wales companies. Although their ' mileage had dropped by 11m.. estimates for maintenance had jumped by £22,000. There had also been a £10.000 error in fuel and oil estimates.
Dealing with the Rhondda Transport Co.. he declared that they, had grossly underestimated their revenue and profits. In March. 1955, they told the Commissioners that receipts would be about £811,000. whereas the figure turned out to be £829,000. The estimated profit had been £103.000, the actual profit was £130,000.
In January, 1956, receipts were estimated at £855,000. but proved to be £877,000, whilst profit estimated at. £121.000 was actually £132.000. Thus the company had, in two years, made £38,000 profit in excess of their estimates.
,The inquiry, before Sir' Maurice Holmes, was expected to last several days.