FORMER RAIL USERS

FIND BUS WORSE

An inquiry in Edinburgh has established to some extent what happens to suburban railway passengers after their line closes. Before the Edinburgh Circle and Rosewell routes vwere ended last year forms were distributed and passengers later returned them to the Edinburgh Suburban Travellers' Association, which has now issued the results.

Of those answering, 87 per cent now go by bus, and 37 per cent of those who used the old Circle line now need two buses. because these services are radial. Some 82 per cent find their journey worse, 3 per cent better, 13 per cent the samc, and 2 per cent did not answer. The term " worse " referred to comfort in 93 per cent of answers. Only a few travellers use cars instead.

Comments are made on higher fares paid and longer time spent in travel. Some travellers find bus crews less courteous than raitway staff. Some object because prams cannot be taken on buses.

The organizers, Mr. W. G. Geddes. former chairman of the association, and Mr. A. Aitken, of the Soottish Railway Development Association, say that within the city 28 stations have closed since the 1920s; most lines still exist and could be the basis for a replanned commuter system. The deteriorating state oE road traffic "may reach a stage in the next few years when the local authority, who are against suburban closure, are persuaded to assume responsibility, with British Railways, for meeting the public neead"...