Carlisle fares request turned down
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A REQUEST by Carlisle City Council that it should retain a separate fare scale was turned down by the North Western Traffic Commissioners last week. They approved the whole of Ribble's fare application to take effect from February 29.
But Ribble Motor Services Ltd was willing to meet local authorities' requirements regarding bus services, including reduced fares, provided there was a guaranteed return to meet the company's statutory obligations.
This was said by Mr Robert King, traffic manager, in reply to criticism by the Borough of Preston regarding the slow progress of talks between Lancashire County Council, Ribble and the Districts about rationalisation and co-ordination of bus services.
Mr F. D. Walker, for the company, said it was proposed to introduce two new fare scales for stage-carriage services in place of the four at present existing. Since December, 1975, there had been a net increase in costs of £1,402,000 in a full year, the main items being £1,149,000 for the £6 wage increase, national insurance and pen sions, and £223,000 for fuel oil.
The introduction of the new scales, for inter-urban and rural areas and for town and city, was estimated to yield £419,000; increases in express fares would add £69,000.
Mr King said that taking costs at present levels the company should break even by March 31, 1977, if the application was granted. This did not take account of an additional wages bill for £206,000 expected in July this year. Based on current experience since February, 1975, passenger resistance was calculated at 16.57 per cent.
Mr R. Cluccas, for Carlisle, said it had received special treatment in the past because the services had been more financially viable than elsewhere. The change would mean that Carlisle fares would go up by more than in any other urban area.
The council asked that the special fare scale be retained and the same percentage increase added, as elsewhere.