Leave Well Alone, says Mr. R. Birch
Page 33
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
iN his speech at the 50th annual 1 meeting of the Yorkshire Woollen District Transport Co., Ltd., Mr. Raymond Birch, chairman, said that the passenger-vehicle licensing system was working well after many years of experience, and he hoped that the Government would leave well alone. He reviewed the effect of Budget• increases in the price of fuel, and said that fuel duty now cost the company £128,000 a year, which was more than 16 per cent, of total operating expenses.
Stage-carriage fares had so far advanced by an average of only some 10 per cent., because of the exercise of rigorous economies involving the use of oil-engined instead of petrol-engined vehicles, and the employment of buses with high seating capacities. Because
Britain was one of the, most important workshops of the world, transport must be efficient and cheap, and a major factor in attaining these objects was freedom from political interference.
In the year under review, gross revenue rose by £50,000, but total expenses advanced by £70,000. Mileage covered was about the same as in the previous 12 months, but 2m. more passengers were carried.
NEW NORBITON GARAGE
A CCOMMODATION for 70 buses is Plprovided in London Transport's new garage at Norbiton, built to relieve pressure on the Kingston depot. Heavy maintenance work will be carried out at the new establishment for the Kingston, Twickenham and Mortlake garages. A 10-ton hoist has been installed for chassis-cleaning purposes.