EXTRACT FROM MINUTES OF MEETING
BRITISH TRANSPORT COMMISSION HELD
ON THURSDAY, 28th JUNE, 1956
9/336 ECONOMIC OPERATION OF RAIL PASSENGER
SERVICES IN RURAL AREAS
With reference to minute 9/30, submitted memorandum dated 15th June 1956 containing
proposals for the carrying out of trials, on suitable branch lines, of measures designed
to reduce to the minimum the costs of keeping rural lines open for traffic, including the
use of new light weight diesel cars giving the maximum economy in operation and maintenance.
Lord Rusholme welcomed the proposals as a proof of the Commission's endeavours to operate
rural rail service as economically as possible, and as an answer to criticisms.
After discussion the Commission approved the principles in the memorandum subject to the
deletion of paragraph 5(e) relating to goods traffic. Where full load goods traffic was
consigned to a branch line undergoing trials this traffic should be worked on private
siding principles.
The proposed trials should be made by all Regions with suitable lines for experiment.
The Regions would be the Commission's agents in this matter, but to ensure the co-ordination
of policy there should be consultation with the Commission's technical officers. The trials
should commence as soon as possible, but the exercise should be viewed in proper perspective
and not allowed to delay work on the several far larger and more rewarding projects requiring
urgent attention.
It was agreed that the memorandum should be confined to private use within the Commission's
undertaking and that publicity on the subject would await the appropriate time.
