Quandary Over Charges
Page 30
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B.R.S. Basic Rates Up: Recommendations to Hauliers: Bus Operators in Difficulties
REMOVAL of the Is. a gallon extra duty on fuel, but the retention by the oil companies of their own surcharge, has placed road transport operators in a quandary. Some bus undertakings are reverting to pre-rationing fares and others are seeking to make the emergency surcharge permanent. Certain operators are applying for higher fares on the basis of recent increases in costs, apart from the price of fuel.
On Monday, British Road Services removed the 71 per cent, surcharge imposed last December, but replaced it by a temporary increase of 2-1 per cent. on the basic_ rates in force in December. They gave warning that this advance Would only partly cover rises in costs, other than wages, already incurred. A further adjustment in rates would soon have to be made to meet the new wage award.
The National Conference of Road Transport Clearing Houses last Friday recommended that as from April 15, the 71 per cent, surcharge on haulage rates introduced last December should be reduced by 5 per cent. They pointed out, however, that an advance in rates to cover the impending wage increases for haulage workers could shortly be expected.
R.H.A. Recommendation The Road Haulage Association advised members to continue the present level of rates pending the decision of the national rates committee on Wednesday on the extent to which charges should be adjusted to take into account the lower price of fuel, but other increases in costs, including wages. Their decision in dealing with the surcharge of 10 per cent. recommended in December was expected to be retrospective.
Pending the hearing of applications for normal increases in fares, the Regional Fares Committees, representing operators of express services to and from London. are seeking dispensation to continue the emergency surcharges in some degree.
On Monday the Ministry of Transport reminded operators that, in the absence of specific authority to continue them, Suez surcharges must be withdrawn within 14 days of April 9.
"Completely Dishonest" Cllr. C. Blackwell, chairman of Manchester Transport Committee, said last week: " I am astonished to hear that certain transport undertakings seem reluctant to remove the increase imposed for the shilling Suez tax, apparently on the basis that other costs have risen in the meantime. This approach is completely dishonest and will be subject to the strongest protest at the annual meeting of the Municipal Passenger Transport Association."
Among bus operators who are to reduce fares to the pre-rationing level. or have already done so. are Maidstone and District Motor Services, Ltd., and Oldham, Wallasey. Preston, Salford, Manchester, Wolverhampton. Walsall, West Bromwich. Coventry, Halifax, Darwen and Accrington Corporations,
A28 Glasgow Corporation are also expected to resume pre-rationing charges.
It may be necessary for Wolverhampton, Walsall and West Bromwich to apply to the West Midland Traffic Commissioners for certain adjustments in the light of existing conditions. Trent Motor Traction Co., Ltd., are expected to make some reduction in fares. Potteries Motor Traction Co., Ltd., have made certain cuts and more are expected It is unlikely that fares will be reduced by the West Yorkshire Road Car Co., Ltd., and Leeds and Edinbprgh Corporations.
Hants and Dorset Motor Services. Ltd., were last week granted permission to make the emergency increases permanent. Similar applications have been submitted by Ribble Motor Services, Ltd., and Birmingham Corporation. Midland coach operators who are members of the Road Passenger and Transport Association are to follow suit.
Seeking Higher Fares The British Transport Commission (London Transport and the Railways), East Yorkshire Motor Services, Ltd., Oldham Corporation and -City of Oxford Motor Services, Ltd., are also applicants for higher fares. The Transport Tribunal on Monday allowed an application by London Transport to maintain the 3d. minimum introduced with fuel rationing.
The Home Secretary has revoked 'the Order allowing London taxi operators to make a surcharge of 6d. for each hiring which will be removed after April 23.
[Other news. on fares appears on page 368.] Sir Robert Cary (Cons.. 'Manchester, Withington), during the debate on the Budget in the House of Commons, called for a statement by the oil companies of their intention on the Suez surcharge on fuel. The good effect cif the Budget on the•public mood would, he said, be destroyed if it 'were felt that the public had " been 'cheated by the oil companies or by the transport industry." The difficulties of transport operators in reducing charges were understood and the first move should come from the oil companies.