Higher Fares for Ulster : Stability
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THE Northern Ireland Transport Tribunal approved last week the introduction of a new fares structure by the Ulster Transport Authority.. Under the new scheme, the maximum charge will he 2.2312d. a mile-5 per cent, higher than the rate which the Authority proposes to charge.
The new scheme, which will mean, in some cases, an increase of 6d., will probably be introduced not later than May 1.
Announcing the Tribunal's decision, the chairman, Sir Anthony Babington, Q.C., said that if costs remained reasonably stable, the Authority should in time be able to balance its financial accounts.
He stated that U.T.A. claimed that the Public Service Vehicle Regulations as operated _in Northern Ireland were unduly and unnecessarily restrictive. As a result, the Authority was involved in additional expense of £15,000 to £20,000 a year more than comparable operators in Great Britain,
Sir Anthony said U.T.A. also claimed that if it were allowed to use double-deck buses on a number of roads, which, it was .stated, were capable of carrying them, it would be able to save £84,000 a year. Another of the Authority's contentions was that a relaxation of the regnlations regarding the. use of 8-ft.-wide buses would result in a saving in the region of £100,000 a year.