LEICESTER'S BUS ACTIVITIES.
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Facts and Figures Contained in the Latest Report of the Bus Department of the Corporation.
TN dealing with the paSsenger .1vehicle activities of the Leicester Corporation when we were recently, analysing tha transport returns of the most prominent municipalities, we showed that the authorities of this impertant Midland' centre had their first experience with motorbuses in July, 1924, when a small fleet of 32-seater single-deckers -was used on experimental routes. Towards the end of the following year, eight top-covered double-deckers were commissioned for service, and these 14 machines comprised the total fleet of the authorities at the time our analysis of municipal bus services, which appeared in our issue of May 24th, was prepared.
Mr. A. F. Lucas, the general manager of the tramways and motor omnibus department of the Leicester Corporation, has just issued his report for ithe 15 months ended March 31st last, and it contains much useful information and instructive comparative statistics relating to the operation of motorbuses and tramcars by the corporation.
In the period with which the report deals, the total revenue on the buses amounted to £34,869, and working expenses totalled £32,707,the gross balance thus being £1,662. Interest on mortgages, etc. and redemption of debt totalled 12,306, so that the actual net deficit was £644. On the debit side of the revenue account, traffic expenses absorbed £18,574, general expenses £2,486, cost of repairs and maintenance £4,760, whilst the -purchase of motor spirit involved an outlay of. £6,054.
The total expenses per bus-mile were 15.145d., and the average income per bus-mile was 15.914d. this figure being an increase of 3.326d. per busmile as compared with the return for the previous 12 months. The passengers carried by the Motorbuses numbered 4,847,070, and the vehicles covered an aggregate mileage of 518,318. The motorbuses were in use on three routes, i.e., Evington Lane, Coleman Road and Saffron Lane, their lengths being 1.96 miles, 2.06 miles and 2.53 miles respectively. The vehicles are giving good service on these routes and the financial results are considered satisfactory.
The report makes it dear that the buses have been kept in a thoroughly eatiefactory condition. The committee has purchased five additional vehicles, all shod with pneumatic tyres, these consisting of four 25-seater one-; nian-eontrolled type buses and a 56seater covered-top, double-decker in which a six-wheeled chassis is used. It is the intention of the authorities to Convert six 32-seater single-deckers to 50-seater double-decker.
The new bus garage of the Leicester Corporation was opened at the Abbey Park Road depot in September Last. The span of the .building is 100 ft. without
stanchions, and provides accommodation for 32 buses. It is designed so that it can be readily extended should this be necessitated by passenger transport developments in the city. The total borrowing powers sanctioned in connection with the Leicester bus department's activities was £20,392 at the end of March last: the borrowing powers exercised being 06,492. The gross capital expenditure in connection with the bus system amounted to £38,123 at the end of the period with which the recently Issued report deals.