Accrington on Rails - The Tramways: A Complete History - Robert Kenyon

Tramway Manager produced some statistical information on the use of the Motor Ambulance, and the charges for its use when patients were taken to Blackburn Royal Infirmary. The Committee deferred a decision on this matter for the present time. The Committee then considered the question of providing disabled ex-servicemen with free passes to ride upon the tramcars, and it was pointed out that this had been done in other towns. It was resolved the Tramway Manager should obtain any information on this subject from other authorities if they would make it available. 1921 (Much of this year would be taken up with issues of free travel passes for those injured during the Great War, and adjusting the fares structure despite increasing costs of operating a tramway to allow for cheaper travel. Increasing traffic required some modifications to the layout in the town centre to allow for easier operation of the Blackburn route. It was during this year that the extensions to the Ellison Street depot, first sanctioned in 1908 were finally completed. ) January The Electricity & Tramways Committee met with representatives from the tramway employees to discuss ‘certain’ matters relating to the working of the department. The agenda consisted of 14 items having been previously submitted by the local Secretary of the United Vehicle Workers. The Chairman pointed out that a large number of these items could be resolved by the Tramway Manager, and he urged that only matters which could not be settled or resolved by him should be included in any future agendas. The special Sub-Committee appointed at the December 13 th meeting to look into the question of introducing one penny stages presented their report. The Tramway Manager submitted information with regard to the receipt, expenditure and mileage taken between April 1 st and December 31 st , 1920. They showed - Total expenditure = £47,346. Total receipts = £45,318. Giving a deficit = £2,028. Add to this the provision for renewals taking this to £4,680 giving a total deficit = £6,708. Total mileage run = 449,261. After consideration of these figures and discussing the matter at some length, it was resolved to defer a decision for the time being. The Electricity & Tramways Committee met, when the Tramway Manager as instructed, had consulted with other tramway authorities on the subject of issuing free travel passes to disabled ex-servicemen. He reported some had whilst some had not. It was resolved to inquire as to how many disabled ex-servicemen were resident in the Borough and would therefore be eligible for a free pass if the Council was disposed to issue them. The Borough Treasurer reported on having secured insurance on the newly delivered tramcars, up to an amount of £500 for each car. TABLES OF TRAMWAY FARES Information sent to the Ministry of Transport in support of applications for an Order under the STATUTORY UNDERTAKINGS (TEMPORARY INCREASE of CHARGES) ACT 1918. Actual fares in force at January 19 th , 1921 BAXENDEN Section Ordinar y Workpeople’ s Eagle Street & Victoria Loop 1½d 1½d Victoria Loop & Baxenden 1½d 1½d Eagle Street & Baxenden 3d 3d CLAYTON Section - - Eagle Street & Oakleigh 1½d 1½d Oakleigh & Clayton terminus 1½d 1½d Eagle Street & Clayton terminus 3d 3d OSWALDTWISTLE Section - - Market Place & Church 1½d 1½d Church & Oswaldtwistle 1½d 1½d

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