Passengers Resist Fare Increases
Page 36
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
pASSENGER resistance to the last two increases in fares by East Midland Motor Services, Ltd., -had been "very marked," Mr. R. J. Ellery. chairman of the East Midland Motor Services, Ltd.. said last week.
As a result of last July's strike, there had been a serious loss of public goodwill, particularly in connection with express services, excursions and tours. Despite the benefit of acquiring the bus undertaking of William Truman, of Shirebrook, passenger traffic fell by more than 9 per cent. This followed a decline of 5 per cent. in the previous year.
Because of these misfortunes, the dividend had had to be greatly reduced.
Economy of operation was much affected by the existence of low bridges on several routes, which required special vehicles of small seating capacity.
Following a reorganization in the Shire brook area after the Truman business Was acquired, the fleet had been substantially reduced and now comprised just under 250 buses and coaches. Twenty-five new vehicles were being purchased in the forthcoming year and 15 more in 1959.
OBITUARY
WE regret to "announce the deaths of Mn. FRANK GEORGE WOOLLARD, MR. JAMES MCGREGOR and MR. GEOROIL EDWARD NEvILLE.
Mr. Woollard, who was 74, pioneered flow production in the British motor industry. He began his business life as a railway apprentice and was concerned in the design of the Clarkson steam bus. He later became director and general manager of the engines branch of Morris Motors, Ltd., where he made history in the British motor industry in introducing large-scale continuous production. Later he was a director of the Birmingham Aluminium Casting Co., Ltd., and the Midland Motor Cylinder Co., Ltd.
Mr. McGregor was managing director of the Key Warehousing and Transport Co., Ltd., Hull, and a vice-president of the National Conference of Road Transport Clearing Houses. He was 61.
Mr. Neville, who was 69, founded G. E. Neville and Son, Ltd., Mansfield. in 1910.