UAS struck bad patch on Hartlepool route
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THE Northern Traffic Commissioners considered revoking the road service licence for a route in Hartlepool operated by United Automobile Services but decided against it.
This consideration had been justified, said Mr B. J. Foster, chairman, at an inquiry last week, following a DoE check after representations by a local MP concerning public complaints over a long period.
The inquiry followed the hearing of an application by Hartlepool Borough Transport, during March and April, for a licence to operate over the same route.
A traffic examiner reported that from November 24-28, 1975, 109 buses were observed 14 were early and 62 late.
Adjourning the hearing of the Hartlepool Borough transport application, the Commissioners served notice on UAS of their intention to consider revocation on the grounds it had failed to keep to the authorised timetable and in view of complaints.
When the revocation inquiry opened, Mr R. J. Elliott, UAS traffic manager, said schedules were difficult to maintain in the congested town centre. UAS had asked for bus-priority lanes two years ago.
It was admitted there had been breaches of licence conditions, but there had been continuing improvement since 1975 and staff had been disciplined for early running and displaying wrong destination boards.
The present depot was inadequate and the company was awaiting DoE approval to build a new one at Peterlee.
Mr Fingret for UAS said the company had a reputation for efficiency and was always trying to improve its facilities but had struck a bad patch in Hartlepool.
Mr Foster said the Commissioners agreed substantial improvements had been made. The licence had only nine months to run and all the corn pany's services in and around Hartlepool would be reviewed on renewal. The Commissioners would also then consider any application made by other operators.