MOTOR V. TRAIN.

Press, Volume LXIV, Issue 19251, 5 March 1928, Page 9

MOTOR V. TRAIN.

♦ EFFECT OF COMPETITION. RAILWAY TRAFFIC DECREASE. (BT CABLE—PRESS ASSOCIATION—COPYRIGHT.) ("THE TIMES.") LONDON, March 2. In drawing attention to the fact that the London and North Eastern group of railways carried 47,000,000 fewer passengers last year than in 1925, ail average of seventeen fewer per train, despite the increased mileage, the chairman Mr William Whitelaw, attributed the decrease chiefly to the competition of road vehicles. The railway had reduced their fares in many districts, which had been partly successful, but a more frequent and more intensive service was the only effective answer to the attractions of road transport. The company had accordingly successfully increased the excursion facilities. It was also introducing steam rail coaches, capable of two journeys at the cost of one by a train. He denim that the railway companies were aiming at a monopoly in road traffic. They had no intention of flooding the roads with motor vehicles. On the contrary, they desired a combined road and rail service, and were ready to co-operate with others in that desire.

He added that the large omnibus companies were claiming a monopoly. He feared the railways' entry into the traffic would involve the speed regulations, inspection of vehicles, enquiry into street accidents by qualified inspectors, and control of labour and wages, which the railway were at present compelled to observe. BIG AMALGAMATION. (AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. AND SUN CABLE) LONDON, March 2.

An amalgamation of three of the biggest road traction companies—Tilling's, the British Automobile, and the British Electric —is announced. The new concern will have a capital of £2,000,000 and will operate from 4000 to oOGO vehicles.

. This is a certain prelude to a gigantic road war, which the passage of the new Transport Bill is likely to intensify.

This statement is simultaneous with the announcement that the preliminaries have been undertaken for the construction of a big motor coach station in central London.

The cheapness of the fares on the road services already in existence is astonishing, in comparison with the rail fares. The speed and luxury of the new motor-coaches rival first-class railway Pullman accommodation, at under third-class fares. The run from London to Southampton, seventy-nine miles, costs 6s' 6d return, as against the railways 19s _ lOd. The coaches maintain thirty miles an hour average Speed. A rapid multiplication of inter-urban door-to-door services has taken place. The "Big Five" of the railways are making urgent efforts to secure competitive road rights, and the latest types of motor-coaches, equipped with kitchens and lavatories, and seating thirty or more passengers, will be used Tliey will he splendidly fitted.