Midland Red Fares —Reserved Decision B ESIDES the familiar reasons for
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fewer bus passengers, the situation was worsened by Midland Red services becoming "totally unreliable". because of staff shortages, said Mr. D. Fitch, the company's traffic manager, in evidence at a joint sitting of the West and East Midland Traffic Commissioners in Birmingham on Monday. Midland Red sought fares increases estimated to yield £1.207,342. The decision was reserved.
Mr. Fitch said he could forecast no improvement as there were acute shortages of drivers and conductors. Students on vacation were being employed as conductors.
Mr. E. S. Fay, for the company, said increased fares were necessary following the settlement reached after the recent Wilson Committee Report. Wage increases would cost an additional £476,791, a sick-pay scheme another £110,000 and the reduction of the basic working week from 42 to 40 hours a further £445,000.
All but one of the 13 objectors represented agreed that increases were justified, but they objected to the fares structure oroposed.
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