Negroes’ Boycott Cripples Bus Line Carrier in Montgomery Alabama., Increases Fares to Offset Loss of Business
Montgomery, Ala., January 7th - The boycott of Montgomery bus lines by Negro riders entered its second month this week with no conciliation in sight.
As a result of the bus company’s loss of revenue in the boycott, the City Commission Wednesday raised fares 50 per cent: adult fares from 10 to 15 cents, school fares from 5 to 8 cents. The commission also authorized a 5 cent charge for transfers, which have heretofore been free.
Asking for the increase, the bus company cited losses averaging 22 cents a mile since the boycott began Dec. 5th. The losses would run even higher, company spokesman said, except for a curtailment in service that has reduced mileage by 31 per cent.
Shortly after the boycott began, virtually all service to the Negro communities was abolished. Two routes, serving predominantly Negro areas, were abandoned entirely and other routes revised so as to exclude Negro neighborhoods among them.
3. How did the Montgomery Bus Boycott impact the bus lines? How did the economic impact lead to its success?