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cOMMISSIONERS TO TEST
Page 59
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HIGHLAND 'RAIL' ROUTES
Pri0 applications to run bus services between Inverness and Kyle if railway passenger services were withdrawn, were adjourned at Inverness last week by the Scottish Traffic Commissioners, who decided to get first-hand experience of the proposed bus services.
The' problem was to controversial, indicated Mr. A. B. Birnie, chairman if the Commissioners, that direct experience was essential and suggested that the applicants, Highland Omnibuses Ltd., InVerness, and David MacBrayne Ltd., Glasgow, should arrange for both the Commissioners and objectors to travel over the proposed routes in the buses intended for use and according to the specified timetables.
Both companies have key interests in the highlands. MacBrayne applied for a passenger stage service from Inverness to Kyle via Shiel Bridge, whilst Highland Omnibuses wanted to use the alternative route via Strome Ferry. Ross and Cromarty County Connell and the South West District Council objected to both.
For Highland Omnibuses, Mr. J. B. T. Louden attempted to have several objections ruled out of order. These, he said, related to the hardship that would be caused by the rail closures and were " irrelevant and incompetent."
The Commissioners, while recognizing that some objections were not statutory, allowed representations provided they were relevant to the matter before them.
The case rested on two main contentions. It was submitted that the applicants were not seeking to introduce new services but simply preparing the way for an 'alternative if the railway lines were closed. Also, if the rail services were withdrawn, the applicants had no choice but to run buses over the proposed routes, irrespective of the quality of the roads.
On the previous day, the Commis"sioners sat at Elgin and granted permission to W. Alexander and Sons (Northern) Ltd., Aberdeen, to extend some bus services in the area in the event of certain existing passenger rail, services being withdrawn.
The Commissioners reserved their decision in respect of applications by Charles H. Re;c1, Ryhnie, and W. Smith, Keith, to extend services on the Aberdeen-Huntly, Rhynie-Aberdeen and Keith-Drurnrnuir routes, together with a similar application by W. Alexander and Suns (Northern) Ltd.