An illusion of railway grandeur

Article Abstract:

The Great Western Railway opened in June 1841 after a construction cost of 6.15 million pounds and originally ran just from London to Bristol. Extensions were soon built with a total of 300 miles by 1848 and 800 miles by 1863. Dividends in these early days were high at around 8%, largely because of its monopoly and because accountancy procedures were less than efficient. For instance they assumed some equipment would last for 150 years and budgeted accordingly when some in fact needed replacing after just seven years. It also had a captive market in Welsh coal.

History, Railroad holding companies, Great Western Railway (London, England)

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One more for the road - and the morgue

Article Abstract:

The UK government has been running pre-Christmas advertising campaigns warning about the dangers of drink-driving for 20 years, and during this time attitudes to drink-driving have changed considerably, with drink-driving now seen as unacceptable in some social groups. However, drink-driving is still common among some social groups, and there were still 520 drink-drive-related deaths in 1994. Campaigners must now consider giving their efforts a new focus if drink-driving levels are to be reduced further.

Social aspects, Drunk driving, Driving while intoxicated

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Fear and loathing on the 109

Article Abstract:

Drivers and conductors of London Buses are having their wages cut by 14% and their hours put up by 13%. They are angry and plan one-day strikes. Fares remain the same, but it will reduce taxes and prevent the need to cut services. Staff on split shifts will no longer be paid for non-working periods in the middle of the day. Letters to staff required them to sign an agreement or face dismissal.

Management, Labor relations, Bus drivers, London Transport

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