Workers Need Better Services?
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QNE of the grounds on which Messrs. \--/Jones Bros. Aberbeeg, based an application to Mr. Trevor Morgan, K.C., South Wales Traffic Commissioner, at Newport, last week, was that extra travelling would take place between Ebbw Vale and Newport as a result of the five-day •w6ek for miners. There were five objectors to the application to run an hourly service from Ebbw Vale to Newport, via Pontypool.
Mr. Roderic Bowen, for the applicants, said that Ebbw Vale, a growing township of 32,000 inhabitants, with a large steel works and adjacent coal mines, had long been agitating for an improved service to Newport via Pontypool. For the Western Welsh Omnibus Co., Ltd., Mr. F. H. Pengelly suggested that the requirements of the service were now being adequately met by the other companies and was cross-examined at length by Mr. Bowen on a census return which he had submitted.
Mr. Stanley Gough, of the "Western Welsh," agreed that there was room for improvement, but the position as presented by the applicants was grossly exaggerated. They had no buses from his depot for week-end pleasure trips, as had been suggested.
Mr. T. G. Davies, also of the "Western Welsh," outlined the plans which his company proposed for the improvement of the eastern valley services. Difficulties with regard to buses were being overcome and their biggest problem at the moment was that of staff.
Mr. Bertram Charles pointed out that the G.W.R. was under serious competition, because the buses were Permitted to run at fares which compared favourably with the statutory rates of the railways. Mr. Bowen asked Mr. Morgan whether he was justified in withholding services by a firm who had the buses and the staff available, because of objections from certain other companies which had not the facilities to meet the need. Decision was reserved.