LONDON TRANSPORT BUSES AND CREWS

HL Deb 10 June 1969 vol 302 cc632-4WA

THE LORD TREFGARNE

asked Her Majesty's Government:

1. (i) How many buses are at present operated by London Transport;
2. (ii) How many crews are available to man these buses;
3. (iii) Whether the number of buses and crews is sufficient to operate all services at the published frequency.

LORD WINTERBOTTOM

I understand from the London Transport Board that the position is as follows:—

1. (i) The Board operate a total of 7,431 Central and Country buses at present.
633
2. (ii) To run their scheduled services, the Board require 18,389 drivers and 16,143 conductors; their staff at present comprises 15,326 drivers and 13,731 conductors.
3. (iii) The Board have sufficient buses to operate all services at the published frequency, but insufficient 634 staff available for the purpose. In order to combat the staff shortage (as well as reduce costs), the Board are progressively, introducing large-capacity, one-man buses.

House adjourned at a quarter before eight o'clock.