P.M.T. Lose Appeal to Minister
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THE Minister of Transport has upheld the grant made to Greatrex Motor Coaches, Ltd., Stafford, to run an express service from Newcastle under Lyme to an R.A.F. Maintenance Unit at Hopton, Stafford. The grant, made by the West Midland Traffic Commissioners, was challenged by the Potteries Motor Traction Co., Ltd., at an inquiry at Birmingham (The Commercial Motor, February 5).
hi his report, the inspector Sir Maurice Holmes, expressed the opinion that in this assisted-travel case the Commissioners had paid excessive regard to the award of the contract, although the Minister did not agree with his suggestion that the case be re-heard.
The existing service of P.M.T. seemed, to the Minister, to fail to meet the need which would be met by Greatrex in one important aspect. The fare arrangements applicable to the P.M.T. service were not those desired for the new service.
He noted that passengers could have travelled on the P.M.T. service but that the Air Ministry would have been put to extra expense. He considered that it was reasonable for the Commissioners to attach considerable weight to that factor. The Minister makes it clear, however, that it is of no significance that the expense should fall on public rather than private funds.
It appeared to the Minister that the assisted-travel arrangements in this case_ were such that the respective services would operate without actual competition on the road.