By Isle of Wight Observer
Concerns over railway fares and competition from road transport are nothing new, as this archive report from the Isle of Wight Observer published on 16th July, 1921 shows. While welcoming weekend excursions to seaside resorts, the writer argued that lower fares were needed to encourage more passengers and help the railways compete with the growing popularity of charabanc travel. However, one sentence did make us smile: “No-one can grumble at the boat service to and from the mainland,” is not something that could be said today.
The Joint Railway Companies now that they are coming into their own again are beginning to show some enterprise in the running of excursions to the seaside resorts and though Ryde has not much to gain from day trippers it may be the beginning of something better. Week-end excursions will be much appreciated and there is no doubt that further concessions will be made during the season as the development of motor traction by road particularly by charabancs has made a wholesome influence upon the railway. No-one can grumble at the boat service to and from the mainland, though the same as with train fares the public would like to hear of a reduction.
There has been some talk of lower railway fares but we must look at the facts. Since 1913 the fares have been increased by a sum of 61 millions while other railway charges have been increased by 12 millions. Compared with these figures says the “Morning Post,” a mere saving of 16 millions is hardly worth consideration nor, if there is any direct relation between wages and fares can it inspire much hope of reductions.