Good Work by Public Transport Association
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THE chairman of the Public Trans1 port Association, Mr. T. E. Thomas, C.B.E., speaking at the second a,. g. m on July 14, gave an interesting review of the activities of this body, covering the period June 22 to December 31, 1943.
He pointed out that no little part of the work had been concerned with building up membership, which, at the later date, stood at 385, comprised of company operators, 109; municipal operators, 24; contractors, 138; extraordinary members, 2; associate members, 105; overseas members, 7. The total vehicles owned by them was 40,927, making the Association the largest road passenger-transport organization in this country.
The income for the above period was £2,166, and the expenditure £2,131, whilst assets exceeded liabilities by £897.
. Technical committees were formed to continue the work previously done by similar committees of the two old associations—the Omnibus Owners' and the Public Service Transport. These committees have done much valuable work on behalf of the membership.
In many instances the Association has taken action jointly with one or more of the following bbdies:—the M.P.T.A., A.R.O., C.M.U.A., and S.M.M.T. This co-operation enables the passenger side of the industry to put forward with one voice its views to Government Departments.
As regards facilities for major bodywork repairs, the Association was concerned at the extreme difficulty experienced by operators in getting these repairs executed at bodybuilders' works. Following representations to the M.O.W.T., for a substantial increase in the capacity available for such repairs, the Ministry agreed to take the matter up with the Ministry of Supply. Negotiations are still in progres.
Representations were also made regarding the supply of labour to the passenger side of the industry, these being made jointly with certain other bodies, and it was urged that the entire . passenger industry should be accorded as high a priority as any industry in respect of its demands for " directed " labour. As a result of a deputation to the Parliamentary Secretaries of the two Ministries concerned, the Ministry of Labour introduced a new procedure which offered some arnel!oration of the position—at least so far . as conductors were concerned.
Following other suggestions, the. Ministry also gave some measure of protection to the industry to prevent certain deferments being withdrawn.
Representation concerning the dimensions of p.s. vehicles, which were made jointly with other bedies, are now under consideration by the M.O.W.T. The main proposals for the maximum dimensions •were :—overall length 30 ft., _overall width 8 ft., overall height 15 ft., laden weight 14 tons. and no restrictions on axle weights.
Difficulties in maintaining and operating vehicles driven on producer gas were brought to the attention of the Director of Alternative Motor Fuels, and a good measure of success obtained.in securing a relaxation of the previous requirements.