Free-fares idea discouraged
Page 22
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
• A blow to promoters of the concept of fares-free public transport was dealt last week by Cllr. D. Gilroy Bevan, chairman of the West Midlands Passenger Transport Authority, who has called for large-scale investment in capital projects which would improve the standards bf public transport services rather than spending on a free-travel scheme.
Cflr. Bevan was answering points on free-fares made in local papers. He indicated that for free travel to be effective on the PTE's own buses it would have to be applied to Midland Red services in the area and British Rail inside the Authority's area. "There would be little saving in existing
costs of operation as one-man operation is now widely used by both blue and red buses, and the older buses with rear entrances have to employ a conductor for safety reasons", he said.
The cost of providing free transport within the new Metropolitan area would be about £30m a year, rapidly rising by LI0m. said air. Bevan. Transport on the rates would thus mean an increase of at least 3C per cent for all ratepayers.
Cllr. Bevan pointed out that the PTE's successful Travelcard season ticket scheme could form the basis of more comprehensive support for the public transport user.