B.M.M.O. Fare Grant Cut : More Applications Pending
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I NCREASES in workmen's and miners' return fares on services operated throughout the Midlands by the Birmingham and Midland Motor Omnibus Co., Ltd., were granted last Friday by the West Midland Licensing Authority but modification of the company's proposals by the Authority will reduce the additional revenue expected by nearly half.
Announcing his reserved decision, following the hearing of the application in Birmingham on July 13 and 14, Mr. W. P. James said that the burden to be borne by the company by way of increased costs, mainly brought about by higher wages. was £203,987. In view of the company's present reserves, he thought that this should be divided fairly between the reserves and passengers who we-.-e at present enjoying concession fares.
Workmen's fares up to 6d. will be increased by lid. instead of Id. as applied for; from 64d. to 9d. by Id. instead of lid.; from 94d. to Is. 11d, by lid. instead of 2d.; and 2s. and over by 2d. instead of 3d.
The increases are expected to produce about £110.000 a year against the £l77.000 applied for.
Many other company and municipal operators are also seeking permission to raise fares to offset increased costs consequent on higher wages.
The West Yorkshire Road Car Co., Ltd., propose to raise fares on certain routes rather than make a blanket application. Suggested new rates would remain within accepted pre-war stahdards of approximately Id. a mile. The Wetherby-Leeds . ordinary return ticket, for example, would be 2s. 3d., instead of Is. 10d.
Application to advance charges is to be made to the Western Licensing Authority by the Devon General Omnibus and Touring Co., Ltd. Consultations with local authorities are being sought.
The Northern General Transport Co., Ltd., seek to modify fares on six routes. Additions of id. to existing tickets are involved. The Sunderland • District Omnibus Co., Ltd., propose similar increases for two of their services.
Newport Transport Department arc seeking to modify fares on 21 services. Charges will be according to mileage. rising in id. stages from 2d.-9d. for distances ranging from 1-8.4 miles. Some children's concession rates may be withdrawn.
A sub-committee of Bradford Finance Committee have approved recommendations by the transport committee to revise fares to increase annual revenue by £65,000 and to help wipe out the undertaking's estimated deficit this year of £81,000. A new scale of children's and scholars' charges is proposed