Day Ticket sfor B.M.M.O.: No Weekly "Runabouts"
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THE Birmingham and Midland Motor Omnibus Co., Ltd., were on Tuesday granted permission to introduce daily " runabout " tickets costing 10s. for .adults and 5s. for children, brit were refused authority to issue weekly tickets at 39s. 6d. and 19s. 9d. respectively.
As The Commercial Motor reported on March 14, there were more than 50 objectors. The tickets were to allow travel throughout the Midland "Red" stage-carriage system. but would not be available on Saturdays.
Giving decision, Mr. W. P. James, chairman of the West Midland Traffic Commissioners, said that the objectors bad been apprehensive that the introduction of day " anywhere" tickets would abstract traffic from excursions and tours. Their opposition was even more strongly marked in connection with weekly tickets which, it was said, would be more attractive to those who spent their annual holidays at home and otherwise might take excursions.
The demand was modest. Witnesses who supported the application wished for the restoration of a facility which had been used about 18 years ago. Figures produced by the company showed that the receipts from the previous scheme were also modest, but some passengers had clearly taken advantage of it.
The Commissioners thought there would be competition, but that it would not be wasteful. They believed that, with their more luxurious vehicles, excursion and tour operators should be well equipped to withstand competition from the day tickets. There was insufficient evidence to justify the grant of weekly tickets.
After February 28 next, when the authorization would expire, the Commissioners would review the daily ticket facilities and study their effect on excursions and tours.
A similar application is to be heard in the East Midland Area next month.
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