United's application granted despite rail opposition
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• The Northern Traffic Commissioners have approved an application by United Automobile Services Ltd, Darlington, for revised bus services between the North East and London, with more picking up points.
The firm's application was opposed by British Rail on the ground that the services would take traffic from the railway, a claim discounted by United which said people used buses mainly because they were cheaper while train services attracted those who wanted a shorter journey.
United was given permission to pick up passengers at additional places including Cramlington, Killingworth, Washington, Alnwick, Ferryhill, and Houghton but were refused permission to pick up on the Whitley Bay-Newcastle on Tyne route, which is served by rail.
The new licence will cover extended summer services to meet early and late season holidaymakers and new night services from London.
It was stated on behalf of the bus company that the number of passengers carried by road between the North East and London in 1972 was 445,000 compared to 327,000 in 1971. Mr J. A. T. Hanlon, chairman of the Commission stated that in reaching their decision they had taken into consideration the position of the bus operators, British Rail and the travelling public.