On the buses but this was no 1970s comedy: It was all change for passengers
Fares please. It was a familiar cry on the buses in the days when there were conductors.
But back in the 1970s, that was all about to change on South Tyneside.
A crackdown on conductors
There were plans for the ticket collectors to be phased out in a scheme to bring in ‘one-man’ buses.
For 18 months, the idea has been considered and other ideas being piloted included pre-payment and season-ticket systems in 1971.
The authorities were also considering bringing in inspectors who would have the power to impose on-the-spot fines.
One-man buses were a means to keeping costs down
A spokesman for the Northern General Transport Company said at the time: “The public is coming to recognise that one-man buses are a means to keeping our costs at a level which stops fares rising as they would otherwise do.”
Maybe you remember the days of the conductors and we want to know if you miss them.
As a further reminder of life back then, all this was happening.
Ernie had his own mode of extra-fast transport
Ernie was the fastest milkman in the West and he helped Bennie Hill to reach the top of the charts.
Cher was close behind with Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves.
Richard Burton was starring in Burton Is The Villain at the ABC in a double bill with a film called And Soon The Darkness.
Tell us about your memories of 1971. Perhaps you can remember what the bus fares were back then.
Tell us more by emailing [email protected]