Devon General Profit Down
Page 56

If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
THE net profit made by the Devon General Omnibus and Touring Co. Ltd. in 1962 was £108,394, a drop from the 1961 figure of £120,078. It was not sufficiently realized that the company made losses during the winter months which had to be offset by the summer revenue, said Mr. W. M. Dravers, chairman of the company, recently presenting the annual report
It was, in effect, the holidaymaker and other seasonal traffic which provided the profit, he went on. In consequence, it was of primary importance that the best possible use was made of the company's vehicles by maintaining services at the peak of the season. Unfortunately, traffic congestion had become more acute, often seriously disrupting timetables. " As a result, we lose mileage and revenue, and
our passengers lose mileage and confidence," said Mr. Dravers. They Were tempted to use their cars, adding to congestion, but it was essential, as American experience had shown, to bank on public transport in the towns and cities and the approaches to them.
During the year, 26 new vehicles were put into service as replacements at a cost of £127,000. They included nine luxury coaches for the company's "Grey Car" fleet, seven double-deckers for use an the joint services in Exeter and 10 singledeck ers.
Mr. Dravers was pleased to report that the special service between Exeter Airport and the Torbay towns was carrying increased traffic and was expected to increase further, and that the "Grey Cars" fleet again had a successful season.