Transport Autocracy in London
Page 23
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RESENTMENT against the passenger-transport monopoly in London appears to be spreading amongst the travelling public, the independent operators whose businesses have been compulsorily transferred to London Transport, and amongst coach owners in the Metropolitan Area.
Complaints are being made concerning the services provided by the Board, the independent operators are weary of waiting for their compensation claims to be heard, and the coach owners are growing resentful against the refusals of the Board to grant consents for the operation of coach services in connection with sporting and other events, after road-service licences have been granted by the Metropolitan Traffic Commissioners. The small manufacturers and repairers who have had much of their trade wrenched from them, without any form of compensation, by the erection of the passenger-transport monopoly, are also expressing their disapproval of the position. The Board appears to be able to grant consent to the operation of a coach service in London and later, to introduce a competitive service at a lower fare, without redress to the injured party. This is an abuse of privilege that calls for speedy removal, and demands are being made by independent interests for the early amendment of the London Passenger Transport Act, 1933, to secure equity.
In connection with the operation of coach trips to view the Jubilee decorations and illuminations in London, the Board appears to have appointed itself traffic controller of the Metropolis, although the routes to be followed had previously been agreed with the police, and the Metropolitan Commissioner had granted licences. After the Motor Hirers and Coach Services Association had prayed His Majesty's intercession in the matter, the Board announced its intention of granting about 30 per cent. of the applications for consents, an action which has added further fuel to the fire.