EXTRACT FROM MINUTES OF MEETING
BRITISH TRANSPORT COMMISSION HELD
ON THURSDAY, 19th JULY, 1956
9/370 UNREMUNERATIVE RAILWAY PASSENGER
SERVICES
With reference to minute 9/144, submitted memorandum dated 9th July 1956 as to the
progress made in the Railway Regions towards the withdrawal of unremunerative railway
passenger services and future prospects in this field.
In the discussion on this subject it was agreed that in the past year the possibility
of making very large savings by the drastic withdrawal of branch line and stopping
services had been over-emphasised. The contributory value of many of these services as
feeders to the main line services must be taken into account. Serious efforts must be
made to retain them by improving their economics through the introduction of new forms
of motive power, smaller units of rolling stock, new operating methods, the substitution
of halts for stations with staff, ticket issuing by train staff, and other
simplifications designed to reduce the cost of the services to the minimum. Each case
required careful examination on its merits. Such steps to reduce costs as were possible
in the short term should be taken without delay. When it had been established that a
service could not be made economic it should be withdrawn, and in such cases it was most
desirable for consultation to take place between the Regions and the Commission's omnibus
interests at an early stage.
The Commission directed that the attention of the Area Boards should be drawn to this
matter. While desirous of correcting the over-emphasis previously given to the withdrawal
of these services, they were anxious to avoid giving any impression that continued heavy
losses on them could be accepted with complacency. A sustained and vigorous campaign to
cut down these losses was of paramount importance.
The Works & Equipment Committee were asked to make a recommendation on a suggested
purchase of a lightweight diesel car for use in rural areas as an experiment under
minute 9/336.
