Rapid Transit to be backbone for Tyneside
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• A commitment to a Rapid Transit system, for which Government grant approval has already been given, is the backbone of Tyneside's future public transport, according to its transport plan for the future; a reorganization of the PTE's bus system, phased over several years, will eventually lead to a system which will be in operation after Rapid Transit is introduced.
The plan is required under terms in the 1968 Transport Act from each of the Passenger Transport Executives and in the case of Tyneside is entitled A Plan for the People.
The report states that although Rapid Transit will form the transport backbone buses will continue to carry the largest proportion of passengers and the consequences for bus operations and bus stations and the arrangements for greater bus priority all need to be worked out in detail.
The plan goes into great detail even to the extent of planning for the abolition where possible of tight curves which lead to excessively low speeds for buses as well as danger and discomfort to passengers. The Executive takes the view that there is limited scope for the use of minibuses although it accepts that there will be a small number of people who could make use of selective minibus and dial-a-bus operations.
Park-and-ride between car and bus will be considered but the car park must be of reasonable size and easily accessible from radial commuter routes.
The Executive is increasing the number of o-m-o buses and the fleet of this type has increased from under 10 per cent in 1970 to nearly 50 per cent at the moment and the process will continue. The increased degree of job satisfaction has resulted in a lower rate of resignation among one-man drivers.
Great importance is related to the standard of bus provided and it is the Executive's intention to examine and experiment with new types of vehicle when significant advances have been seen to have been made. In addition the Executive wants to see the introduction of automatic ticket machines and of a season ticket system.
Public Transport on Tyneside — A Plan for the People. Available from the Tyneside Passenger Transport Authority, Cuthbert House, All Saints, Newcastle upon Tyne, NEI 2DA, price £1.50.