Bill to improve Rural Services
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lkAORE .t.sus routes and liehtrailway al services may be provided in country areas if the Rural Transport Improvement Bill, to be discussed inParliament today. becomes law. The Bill will be moved by Mr. David Renton (N.L.U.,. Huntingdon), chairman of the Conservative Party Transport Committee.
He is backed by many Conservative M.P.s.
The chief object of the Bill is to prevent the uncontrolled closure of railway branch lines by the British •Transport Commission. This is stated to have left many rural communities in isolation. Local authorities would be able to appeal to the Transport •Tribunal against a closure.
If the Tribunal upheld the Commission's decision to close a line, the Commission would .be, enabled to sell it, so that another party could run a light railway. Alternatively, the Tribunal would be able to make arrangements for a bus service to be provided. '
The Bill would apply not only to the future closing of branch lines, but users in an area where a line had been closed in the `past five years would be permitted to appeal. . If .the wished to shut a line, they would Have to give three months' notice. The operation of Diesel railcars, with conductors, wOuld •be permitted by the Bill. •