Small Buses Cut Legitimate Markets
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INCREASED production of small buses I had provided the means for new owners to indulge in a variety of activities entirely dissociated from the provision of rural services. They frequently cut into the legitimate markets of the public service vehicle operator without making any real contribution towaials the problem of rural services, said Mr. R. P. Beddow, chairman, at the annual meeting of Ribble Motor Services, Ltd.. at Preston on Tuesday.
It would be a sorry thing and a great loss to the public if the present Licensing system were to be undermined by numerous owners of small buses who, wilfully or through ignorance, failed to seek or satisfy the tests which the law required.
• The company still shouldered the cost of unremunerative services, hut if leaner times were enconntered, complete abandonment of some services would result. he prophesied.
Speaking of the recent wage and condi lions awards to workers, Mr. Beddow reported that the company's wage bill would be increased by approximately £350,000 a year. But, he said, the company had held its traffic level of the previous year at a figure of about 204m. passengers. This he attributed to moderate fares and the increased operation of largecapacity double-deck vehicles.
During the past year the number of such vehicles had been increased to 149. This had resulted in reduced numbers of stridine passengers and increased reli ability of services, particularly for " fringe " traffic into towns. Further orders for large-capacity buses would increase the company's total to 200 this summer.
Operation of the new double-deck "Gay Hostess " coach had been delayed as a result of a trade disagreement affecting the body builders, but Mr. Beddow hoped that the difficulties would be overcome as the season advanced.