2011 – Issue 2 of 4

An MMC report stated that CK thought their services were profitable until the effects of
CCT’s reduced fares were felt. After August 1981 they were probably losing £500 per
week. An application by CK for a licence for a Sunday and Bank Holiday service to
Barry Island brought response from CCT, N/W and NBT who operated a weekday
(school holidays) service to Barry Island from 27 th July, the day after CK began their
service. NW offered a reduced fare on their 354 Sunday service on the journeys
affected by CK’s service.
SCHOOL CONTRACTS ROW;
During the summer of 1981 both CK and CCT tendered for several school contracts.
CK lost 5 which it had held for 6 years. Their tender price was the same as in 1978 but
CCT tendered for the 5 at a vastly reduced price. It was reported by the Monopolies
and Mergers Committee (MMC) that in one case a tender was 60% less. CK accused the
council of using ratepayers’ funds to undercut competition. The Labour led council
denied this and accused CK of using cash from school contracts to subsidise their stage
services. In events to come the recent change from Tory to Labour control at SGCC
would seem to favour the larger bus operator and not the private operator.
I
n September 1981 substantive licences were granted to CK for 3 years (instead of 5) and
from 21 st Sept. they extended their Llanedeyrn route to Pentwyn. CCT replied with a
new 51 service to Pentwyn. On 11 th Nov. an application was lodged by CK for a licence
(sp) to operate from Castle Street to Michaelston Road, Ely. Two days later CK took
advantage of a one day strike by CCT drivers by running extra buses over their 3 routes.
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