Noted that the Commission had requested that the reactions of the Bus Companies (B.T.C. wholly owned and associated) be covered fairly comprehensively in all submissions.
(b) Types of engines
Noted that the Commission had requested that more detail should be given in submissions as to why, in appropriate cases, it was proposed to install engines of a specific type or where the power/weight ratio was greater than normal.
600. RAIL BUSES FOR RURAL AREAS
(1) Employment of rail buses on L.M.Region
Now delivered and brought into operation on August 11th in substitution for existing steam services between Bedford-Hitchin and Bedford-Northampton. Commencing September 15th an augmented service in diesel timings should be introduced. Buses were being fuelled and stabled at Bedford Station and maintained at Bedford motive power depot.
Mr.Nicholls had circulated a financial statement showing that there was a saving in expenditure of £17,790 per annum consequent on the substitution of diesel for steam traction. He reported that notwithstanding this saving there was an estimated deficit on working of approximately £900 per annum after taking into account anticipated additional receipts of £2,500 per annum.
The annual diesel train miles projected totalled 199,600 against 116,800 formerly run by steam, and it was stated that the additional 82,800 miles were only estimated to produce £2,500 or about 7d. per train mile. If £2,500 was the maximum which could be expected it would be better financially to continue working approximately the steam mileage. MrDow considered that the new units would not be given a fair chance to prove themselves if the augmented services to be introduced on September 15th were not given a fair trial. He promised to re-consider the estimate of additional receipts.
(3) Banbury-Buckingham Scheme
Noted that the case for the withdrawal of the passenger service was still being prepared for submission to the T.U.C.C. concerned.
