Glasgow PTA soon?
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• A decision on whether or not to establish a Passenger Transport Authority for Clydeside will be taken by the end of the year and Glasgow will not be allowed to veto any decision in favour of a PTA. This was stated by Dr. J. Dickson Mabon, Minister of State, Scottish Office, when he met representatives of Glasgow City Transport last week.
Glasgow Corporation made it clear that it regards such a move as premature. Its reservations cover the financial set-up which will result, the position of nationalized railways in such an Authority and the administrative responsibility which will apply.
Dr. Mabon said that the proposed administration would involve 20 to 30 members, of whom six would be Government nominees and the majority elected members. They would have complete control over their finances but would receive a Government subsidy for seven years, starting with 90 per cent of any loss in the first year, gradually reducing to nil in the final year.
British Rail and the Scottish Bus Group, who would be the other main partners in any Greater Glasgow Transport Authority, are understood to be pressing for the setting up of such a body. While Glasgow is not opposed to a PTA in principle. the Corporation wishes to have clarification of its reservations.