Transport ministry again rebuffs strike threats

The transport ministry reiterated today that it did not decide or condition its policies on the basis of threats of industrial action made by operators.

The ministry was reacting to comments by a spokesman of the Public Transport Federation who reportedly warned of strike action unless new licences to owners of hearses are withdrawn. The spokesman insisted that the market was not large enough to support so many operators.

The ministry reiterated its view that monopolies should be avoided, except where they were of benefit to consumers; the first duty of the government was to users and consumers, and that the quality of service in public transport fell short of reasonable expectations and deep reforms were therefore necessary.

No operator and no sector which previously enjoyed protection could expect to have a veto on initiatives made in the interests of the users or potential users, the ministry said.