Redundant Railway Services
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AVIGOROUS attack on redundant railway services was made by Mr. W. A. Winson, vice-chairman of the
at a meeting at Croydon, last week. He said that the railways, although corriplaining of excessive transport facilities, did not prevent the overlapping of their railway services with their own road services and those of their associated road companies..
He admitted that there was a surplus of tranaport, but pointed out that coastwise shipping was a prominent competitor for long-distance trunk transport. The railways, however, did not complain of this competitipn, directing their attention only to the roads.
They were endeavouring to regain their previous Monopoly and to de prive the trader of his right of choice. The real issue in road transport was competition versus co-ordination. "Why," Mr. Winson asked, "should only transport be considered in the matter of competition, and other trades passed over? " As an example, he quoted the unchecked multiplicity of retail shops.
He held the view that road transport could not yet co-ordinate with the railways,' because its constituent units were too small, but it could coordinate internally. The speaker suggested that a complete analysis of traffic movement throughout the country was needed. When this survey had been completed, a new transport structure could be built on modern lines.