Operating Aspects of
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Passenger Transport
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ROAD-RAIL TRIPS APPEAL SUCCEEDS
THE Minister of Transport has announced his decision in the appeal of Birch Bros., Ltd., against the grant of licences by the East Midland Commissioners to the Eastern National Omnibus Co., Ltd., and United Counties Omnibus Co., Ltd., to provide special services in connection with roadrail excursions.
The points of appeal were similar, said the Minister, to those in the appeals of Messrs. Sudweeks and others against the grant of a licence to Bath Tramways Co., Ltd., decided some time ago. In the Birch case, he has come to the conclusion that the appellant company justified its claim that the failure on the part of the applicants to comply%with Regulation 41 of the Passenger Service Vehicles (Licences and Certificates) Regulations, operated to the prejudice of the company and other possible objectors, in that they were not afforded reasonable information as to the proposed services. The appeal is allowed.
CARLISLE STREET STANDS TO GO.
FAILING definite proposals being made by the operators concerned, not later than June 30, for the operation of external city services from points other than on the public highways, Carlisle Watch Committee will, immediately after that date, make representations to the Northern Traffic Commissioners on the matter.
Ribble Motor Services, Ltd., has agreed to transfer its services to' its new bus station in Lowther Street, so soon as a date is fixed for the removal of vehicles from the street stands.
S.M.T. STRIKE AVERTED.
June 6, the result of the ballot of men employed by the Scottish Motor Traction Co.. Ltd., in connection with the renewal of the existing agreeti36
ment, or a stoppage of work in support of the proposals of the Transport and General Workers Union, was announced.
It is understood that a substantial number of the employees was in favour of strike action—an extremely serious decision in view of the widespread ramifications of the company. The delegates decided, however, to request the negotiating committee to open fresh negotiations with the company and we learn that there is no fear of a strike in the near future.
SUCCESSFUL BULK-BUYING SCHEME FOR Y.S.C.O.A.
ASCHEME for the buying in bulk of commodities required by members has been put into operation by the Yorkshire Stage Carriage Operators Association, and it is reported to be working successfully. The goods handled under the scheme include oils, tyres, speedometers, plugs, radiator hose and belting.
A. scheme of legal aid whereby, for the payment of a fixed sum per annum, members can obtain any advice they require on legal questions concerning their activities as operators, as well as legal representation in police-court proceedings, has also been introduced by the Association. Mr. Ernest Ould, of Leeds, has been appointed as solicitor.
WHITSUN TRAFFIC DIFFICULTIES
PARTICULARLY for London coach operators, the Whitsun holiday presented several difficulties in estimating traffic requirements. The uncertain weather conditions tended to delay bookings until the last minute, whilst the recent Jubilee festivities, the Derby and other race meetings, and. the closeness of the annual summer holidays of many persons, occasioned by the late Whitson, detracted somewhat from the volume of traffic.
The experience of the three big London coach stations was varied. Whilst the number of arrivals and departures from King's Cross Motor Coach Station was approximately the same as that of last • Whitsun, the figure for bookings broke all records, including even that of last August Bank Holiday week-end. • This fact seems to imply that the public is turning more to the coach stations for booking purposes, instead of dealing with local agents.
Liindon Coastal Coaches, Ltd., found that, last week, bookings were rather slow, but, later, the demand increased and, on Wednesday. of this week, it was estimated that the week-end traffic was approximately level with that of last Whitsun. Incidentally, the com pany handled, this year, the St, Dunstan's Derby Day services and had 300 coaches and buses under its control at Epsom racecourse, where it directed the parking arrangements.
The London Terminal Coach Station, which deals with a large volume of traffic to south-coast resorts and to South Wales and the West Country, was also quite satisfied with the results of the week-end's trading.
Since the season opened at Easter, it is fair to state that coach operators have, in general, fared well, despite unfavourable weather.
YORK APPEALS WITHDRAWN.
I T is announced that the York Pull
man Bus Co. has withdrawn its appeals against conditions as to fares imposed in connection with two stage services in the York district.