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YORKSHIRE FARESREDUCTION EFFORT
THAT the London and North I Eastern Railway Co. was making " a deliberate attempt to shelter behind the Road Traffic Act to perpetuate wasteful competition," was a charge made by Mr. E. S. Herbert on behalf of Newcastle Corporation, Wakefields Motors, Ltd.. Tynemouth and District Traction Co., Ltd., and the United Automobile Services, Ltd., on an application to the Northern Traffic Commissioners to reduce the return bus fare from Newcastle to Whitley Bay from Is. 3d. to is. to bring it into line with the railway return fare.
The railway fare was formerly Is. 3d. but was reduced to Is. several weeks ago. It was stated that since the introduction of the Is. 3d. return a year ago, the L.N.E.R. had lost about £12,000 on the NewcastleWhitley Bay route. It was contended on behalf of the railway company that in view of the differences in road and rail services there should be some difference in fares.
Mr. Herbert complained that the railway company had not notified the Traffic Commissioners beforehand of its intention to reduce the fare. The bus companies, he said, were not attempting to impose fares which would result in wasteful competition.
The Commissioners reserved their decision, but it is expected an announcement will be made on July 9.
FORTY LOCAL AUTHORITIES SUBMIT BUS FARES PROPOSALS.
FORTY local authorities in County Durham have submitted proposals to Sir John Maxwell, chairman of the Northern Area Traffic Commissioners, with a view to overcoming alleged anomalies in bus fares in County Durham. A county transport committee has been set up by the local councils with Mr. J. Kennedy as chairman.
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The committee has drawn attention to the wide disparity in fares charged by bus companies throughout the county, and among suggestions made are the following:—
That instead of return tickets there be issued double-journey tickets enabling passengers to travel either way at existing return fares. If this proposal is unacceptable return fares should be abolished entirely and single tickets, equal to half the price of the present return fares be issued.
Failing agreement on either of these proposals, it is suggested that basic rates be applied for the whole of the county with a view to the reduction of existing single fares to an economic rate, and that 12-journey tiekets be instituted to enable the holder to travel in either direction and to be available for an unlimited time.
THE IMPORTANCE OF BUS TRAFFIC TO TRADERS.
THE importance to tradespeople of bus traffic in the shopping centres was emphasized by a letter recently sent by 110 Porthcawl tradesmen to the Portheawl U.D.C.
Complaints were made of the poor business during Whit-week, caused by the fact that buses coming from east of the town terminated their journey on the Eastern Promenade, instead of discharging their passengers in 1-..e square in the centre of the town.