HIGHER COACH FARES FOR MIDLANDS IF APPLICATIONS SUCCEED
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QUBJECT to the consent of the West Midland Traffic Commissioners, coach operators in the Birmingham area will introduce a 5 per cent increase on all coach fares, including excursions and tours. This decision—almost inevitable following the additional 6d. a gallon on fuel—was taken at a meeting of the main operators in the Birmingham area, including Midland Red, last week. Works services operated under licence will also be included in the applications. In the case of private hire contracts, where coaches are operated by agreement with the firms concerned, it has been left to
the discretion of the operators when the increases should be introduced, although some are expected to charge the extra 5 per cent from December 1.
Coach operators are hoping that the commissioners will hear the applications before January 1, when bookings for summer services will start. In the case of Midland Red, the increases will apply to excursions and tours only. It is understood that no decision has been taken yet in respect of express services, whilst ordinary stage services are covered by the Government's proposals to offer some form of rebate for the extra tax paid.