TRANSPORT FOR MILLIONS

Southland Times, Issue 24273, 2 November 1940, Page 5

TRANSPORT FOR MILLIONS

LONDON’S INTRICATE PROBLEM MORE BUS SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright) (Received November 1, 8.40 p.m.) LONDON, October 31. The London Passenger Transport Board is vigorously tackling the problem of transporting 3,750 000 workers to and from work daily throughout th_ W *ln the meantime the existing transport position has excited the criticism of two morning newspapers. The Daily Telegraph urges improved staff worn. The Daily Mail alleges that the public is disgusted with the railway food serThe Transport Board’s plans include more express buses, the restoration of all coach routes in the outer areas and also new bus services parallel with the interrupted railway routes; an earlier peak hour for bus and tube services,

and more stations open during raids. Staff shortages is the board’s principal problem. Nearly 1000 London conductors were trained as drivers and women enrolled as conductors, but on the calling up of 350 women only 20 replied.. Passengers are unlikely io require road vehicles after 10 or 11 p.m. and, therefore, it is not intended to run the scheduled journeys after those hours. Special buses are running for late workers and the tubes are to run later. HAPPIER ASPECTS Happier aspects of Britain’s home front are provided by the announcement that the Transport Board will supply two-penny meals for those who seek shelter at 80 tube stations, and also that there have been fewer serious crimes in the last three months than since the outbreak of war, although looting and pilfering after air raids increased last week. The Ministry of Labour is urgently appealing for the formation of a Labour Reserve in each employment exchange area to keep London clear. Its duty will be the clearing up of debris from air raids, and the salvaging of property from damaged premises. The Ministry emphasizes that more men are still required for the work. It is announced that the normal closing hours for shops from November 17 to March will be 6 p.m. with an extension to 7.30 on one day a week. Mr J. C. Patterson, European manager of the Canadian Pacific Railway in London has been loaned for foui’ years to the Ministry of Supply as controller of general transportation.