RAILWAY RESTRICTIONS.

Evening Post, Volume XCVI, Issue 21, 24 July 1918, Page 7

RAILWAY RESTRICTIONS.

The impost of 50 per cent, on ordinary railway fares has not had any appreciable effect in restricting travelling. At first, in 1917, it did, but'to-day the passenger traffic is heavier than ever before. Season tickets have largely increased since the beginning of 1917. They were not subject to the 50 per cent. rise. Goods traffic, too, is 48 per cent, gr-eater than in 1913. This strain on the railways occurs at a time when the rolling stock is much less than before the war. To meet the position, a reduction of passenger steani train services by 40 per cent, is necessary. Here are some of the means proposed to achieve this object .-—Season tickets issued at special reduced rates to be discontinued, except those of scholars, apprentices, and railway employees; no new season or traders' tickets applied for for the first time from London to be issued except for reasons of national importance ; tickets outside the radius to be discontinued, unless there are reasons of national importance, or the holders are. bona fide residents, although only recently such; no tickets for less than six months to new applicants beyond the radius; prices of tickets up to 12 miles to bo increased by 10 per cent.,over 12miles 20 per cent. The radius is 12 miles fraui Charing Cross.