New Devon General and Exeter Increases "an Interim Measure"
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MANY undertakings seeking to l'araise fares are not even hopeful that the increases they propose will enable them to attain financial stability, whilst others have given warning that further applications to advance charges will have to be itade if the costs continue to rise.
Fares on services run by the Devon General Omnibus and Touring Co., Ltd,, and Exeter Transport Department went up last week. Mr. F. A. Stockdaic told the Western Licensing Authority at the recent hearing that the increases were an interim measure to close a financial gap. If costs rose again the gap would reappear.
Warrington Fares Up
Alf bus fares up to 6d. rose Id. this week on services run by Warrington Transport Department. It is not expected, however, that this will enable a financial balance to be struck. The new rates are expected to yield an extra
£52,000 a year. Fares over 6d. are advanced by Id. where there are joint operating agreements with other concerns.
The Minister of Transport has approved Darlington Transport Department's application toraise trolleybus fares. He has stiPillated thattransfer of money should be made fom the transport undertaking to aid local rates without consultation with the Ministry. Darlington Corporation has accepted this condition.
The North-western Licensing Authority has granted the: application for higher fares made by Crosville Motor Services, Ltd., but has made certain adjustments to the scales as proposed by the company. On 24 urban and 62 inter-urban services run by the .Yorkshire Woollen District Transport Co., Ltd., fares increases have been sanctioned. Many of the rates will be raised for the first time in 30 years.
20 Per Cent. Traffic Drop?
Following Leicester Transport Department's recent increase in charges, a 20 per cent, fall in the number of passengers carried is expected. As a result of the first eight weeks' operation on advanced scales, Nottingham Transport Department has made a new estimate of the extra yield per annum, which is £20,000 less than the general manager calculated.
The third application by Bradford Transport Department to raise charges was heard by the Yorkshire Licensing -Authority last week. Both motorbuses and trolleybuses are affected by the proposals, which include raising the minimum fare by d. to 2d., with an early-morning minimum of lid., and raising other fares by id. Mr. F. Algar said that even if the new fares were approved, there would still be an overall deficit of £2,000 on the undertaking in the next financial year, The. Yorkshire Licensing Authority last week heard the applications for A32
higher fares made by Hebbie Motor Services. Ltd., and Hanson's Buses, Ltd. Hebble asked for rises of id. to fid. on ordinary fares on 16 routes and certain advances in workmen's rates. Hansoia's sought a 2d. minimum on some services and increases of id. and Id_ on other fares.
A further increase in fares is to be applied for by the Potteries Motor Traction Co., Ltd. It is understood that all services will he affected. P.M.T. fares rose last March, when the Iii. minimum advanced to lid. and other adjustments were made.
In the South Wales Traffic Area, three operators are seeking higher rates. Pontypridd Transport Department has applied for revised fares on eight routes, with certain adjustments to
.workmen's rates. Messrs. D. T. Davies wish • to raise single fares on three routes, and Messrs. Yeoman's Motors on their express services.
Swindon Transport Department is one of several operators which have applied to the Western Licensing Authority for permission to raise fares. It seeks to withdraw workmen's daily return fares available up to 8.50 a.m. and to substitute a special scale which includes 4d. 'returns on 2d. and 2id. single stages, and 8d. returns on stages with a single fare of 6d. or over. It is also proposed to withdraw scholars' Id. fares, normal • children's charges to apply.
The Southern National Omnibus Co., Ltd., also asks for increases in charges on a few routes in the Western Area.
On all fares except workmen's, Stockton-on-Tees Town Council proposes that additions of id. or Id. be made. The undertaking faces a deficit of £17,000 this year, although it made a profit of £18,000 last year.
Rotherham Transport Department proposes to abolish pre-paid fares, withdraw return tickets and do away with miners' concession fares.
Advanced scales have been considered by Bournemouth Corporation and Ipswich Town Council.
Warnings of other increases have been given regarding services operated by the Nottingham, Rarnsbottom and Leeds municipal undertakings and the Aldershot and District Traction Co., Ltd_ Messrs. Hurst's Winkiton Bus Service, Blaydon-on-Tyne has been acquired by the Northern General Tranport Co., Ltd., Negotiations were reported in "The Commercial Motor" on July 27.