PASSENGER TRAVEL NEWS.
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The Latest Doings and Developments in the Bus and Coach World.
COACHING PROSPECTS IN NORTH-EASTERN DISTRICT.
The Activities of a Prominent Company who cater for Residents,
WKATE \TER rebuffs the motor coaching industry might have received last year, both as the result of inclement weather and trade depression, they have, fortunately, failed to discourage those proprietors who have the interests of the trade at heart—a fact which is vouched for by the unremitting efforts which have been made by many owners for the coming season. Prospects, on the whole, in the North country are better than they were last year, and hope is entertained that, with the trade of the industrial world showing signs of improvement, the 1923 season will be much more successful than its forerunner.
The Wallsend Motor Co. have made adequate preparations in order to eater for the wants of residents of their district, and one of the most reassuring features of this year's pre-season period has been the rush for early bookings. In past years passengers have been particularly remiss in this direction, and have, in the majority of cases, delayed booking until comparatively near the date they required, with the result that, in many cases, they have been unable at such short not-ice to secure vehicles. However, whether the earlier bookings are the outcome of this, or to an increasing popularity of the coach, a good start is extremely encouraging.
Whilst the Wallsend Motor CO. are not adding to their fleet of vehicles they already possess a number of motor coaches, consisting in the main of Thornycroft vehicles. The coaches the company have on the road this year are four 30-seater Thornycrofts, one 20seater of similar make, and one 14-seater Fiat, which is shod with pneumatic tyres, and which, last year, was in 'big
demand for small and exclusive party work.
During last season all the large coaches were fitted with super-cushion tyres as their existing sets of solids became due for replacement, and the general satisfaction expressed by passengers at the increased comfort more than emphasized the success of the change.
Whilst there are indications that longer day tours will be in demand during this coming season, there still remains a steady call for shorter runs, and the following places, which last. year proved amongst the most. popular venues of tours, again figure on the company's programme: Alnwick, Alnmouth, 1/1,7arkworth, Wooler, Hexhain, Alston, Bar. nard Castle, Middleton-in-Teesdale, Sea, houses, Redcar, etc.
Extended tours are likely to be in better demand this year, and the Lakeland tours operated by the Wallsend Motor Co., will, it is expected, -be operated more frequently .than hitherto. It has been found from past experience that the majority of passengers perfer to do this tour in two days, making a reasonably lengthy call, including an overnight stay, at one of the resorts in the Lake District, rather than commencing at an early hour in the morning and arriving back home again very late the same night.
The situation in the matter of fares in the north-eastern districts is very complex at present, but, so far as can be gathered, there will be but slight "cuts" this season as compared with the fares in operation during the middle of the
1922 season. Then rates were based, roughly, on 1d. per mile for longer-distance runs and up to 1,.d. per mile for shorter jo4rneys, the rate of fare being gradually increased as the distance lessened.
There is always the possibility of undercutting, but to operate at a reasonable margin of profit, and to make provision for proper maintenance et vehicles, only very slight reductions can be effected on these rates.