Dundee Wants Another £40,000 • More Operators Apply
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FARE increases designed to raise revenue by £40,920 a year were approved at a special meeting of Dundee Corporation, last week. The transport convener, alr. H, Dickson, reported an expected deficit of £20,000 on the current year, and £40,000 at the end of 1955-56.
The new proposals, which include the addition of Id. to most bus fares, involve a new fare structure based on the existing basic stage of 0.66 mile. Two stages (1.32 miles) Would be given for 2!„.1.; up to four stages for 3d.; up to seven stages for 4d.: up to 10 stages for 5d.; and over 10 stages for 6d.
With the new proposals, Cllr. Dickson stated, they would still be giving a greater distance for 2d. and 3d. than any other Scottish city. Edinburgh gave 0.92 mile for 2d.; Glasgow 1.13; and Aberdeen 1.28.
E.Y.M.S. Application
Mr. C. R. H. Wreathall, general manager of East Yorkshire Motor Services, Ltd., last week gave details of fare increases which they had proposed to the Yorkshire Licensing Authority.
Single fares ranging from 31d.-41d. would be increased by Id., and 6d. singles by Id. Return fares less than I times the single rate would be raised to that proportion. The price of contract tickets would. in the main, be advanced by 10 per cent.
Crosville Motor Services, Ltd., whose costs were increased by £150,000 by the last pay rise (The Commercial Motor, January 14), are to apply for higher fares to bring in £250,000 a year. Since they last raised fares two years ago, Crosville's costs have advanced by £376,000 a year.
The main proposals are that fares from 21d.-81d. be raised by 1d.: 9d.Is. 5d. by Id.; and Is. 6d.-2s. 7d. by 2d. In some cases, workers' fares would be increased more than ordinary rates.
In a letter to local authorities in the area, Crosville ...stated that where possible they would have to cut out unrcmunerative mileage.
East Kent Opposed
Strong opposition is expected to new fare proposals made by the East Kent Road Car Co., Ltd. Margate Town Council will once again lead the opposition to the application-the fourth in three years-and most of the local authorities in the area have agreed to join them.
The application calls for a 2d. minimum, with other single fares increased in proportion. Return fares would be continued at 11 times the proposed single fare, with no inci-ease exceeding 3d.
111 is also proposed to withdraw early-morning fares in Thanet and workers rates in Dover. Season, apprentices' and scholars' term tickets would also be increased.
Nine Yorkshire M.P.s have made c4
representations to the Yorkshire Licensing Authority against the proposal by the West Riding Automobile Co., Ltd., to abolish workers' fares (The Commercial Motor, FebruarY 18).
In a letter to the Authority signed by the M.P.s, Mr. A. Roberts, the Member for Normanton, says he is aware that whatever decision the Authority reaches will be based on evidence submitted, but he believes that the case for the travelling public is not always put as strongly as it should be. Mr. Roberts adds that the public realize that the company have a monopoly in certain well-populated areas, and this, to some extent, causes both suspicion and apprehension.
Fourteen local authorities have lodged objections to the company's pro posals. Wakefield City Council are briefing counsel to oppose the application which is to be heard next Wednesday, and is inviting other local authorities in the areas concerned to contribute towards the cost of representation.
Leigh Transport Department and its joint operators are also seeking permission to increase fares. A 2d. minimum and the addition of id. to workers' returns, are the main proposals.
Hebble Back Again
Hebble Motor Services, Ltd.. who were granted fare increases only three weeks ago (The Commercial Motor, February 18), have made a new application to the Yorkshire Licensing Authority for higher fares designed to meet the latest pay rise. The proposals are to impose a 2d. rate where the stage exceeds 0.69 mile, and to increase by 1d. all other single fares over 2d. and up to 51d. and singles of 6d. and up
wards by Id. Return fares up to Is. 6d. would go up by Id.; Is. 7d.2s. 6d. by 2d.; and 2s. 7d. upwards by 3d.
Adult contract rates would be raised by 10 per cent.. and children's fares would be calculated at half the adult single or return rate.
Despite the £132,000 fare increase granted to Edinburgh Transport Department (The Commercial Motor last week), a deficit of £70,000 is expected in a full year, the general manager, Mr. W. M. Little, said last week.
Sheffield Transport Department has revised its concession scheme for disabled persons, and is to issue free passes in place of tokens for the use of blind and partially blind people on their services. The health department will pay £4 a year to the transport department for each pass issued. Tokens will continue to be issued for journeys for approved purposes.
Newcastle upon Tyne City Council is recommended to withdraw all free passes on the city's buses other than thdlie issued to the blind and to transport staff travelling on business.