MOTORBUS PROSPECTS IN ARGENTINA.
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How the Market Stands at the Present Time and the Difficulties Which Exist.
ALTHOUGH motorbus transportation had its beginning in Argentina only a few years ago, there were approximately 1,050 buses of different types in operation on January 1st, 1926,
according to the American Trade Commissioner in that country. The majority of these vehicles is in use in Buenos Aires, but a large number of the provincial cities is coming to the front in connection with the development of transport by bus.
Over forty bus routes are operating in the city and suburbs of Buenos Aires. Other provincial towns in Argentina have at least one motorbus
• line. The services in Buenos Aires are between the different railway stations to the Plaza de Mayo. Congreso and Italia, as well as to Belgrano and other suburbs. The system is interconnecting, and traffic is heavy through
out the day. It is stated that the buses are kept in continual operation, and that they constantly carry passengers in excess of their seating capacity in order that a profit may be made in spite of the low fares which prevail.
The chief difficulty under the present system of operation seems to be the lack of an equitable arrangement with regard to the fares that are charged. Prom the operators' standpoint it is difficult to give adequate service without a higher tariff, for, apart from higher operating expenses, buses are obliged to carry both conductor and driver and to pay a tax of 6 per cent, on the gross receipts. The authorities have refused repeatedly to allow an increase in fares, but it is expeeted that a readjustment of the schedule will be made within a short time.
Standard bus and lorry chassis are in rise, most of them being of American manufacture and of 2-ton to 5-ton capacity. A few British, German and Swiss makes of chassis are also in use on some routes in Buenos Aires. but these are in a decided minority. As long bodies are difficult to manage in the narrow streets, there is a preference for bodies having a seating space for 24 persons, with horizontal seats on each side of the centre aisle, and short, longitudinal seats at the front and the rear.
On the other hand, there has been some agitation for the suppression of the lighter types of bus in use, on ac count of the number of accidents, but this matter is now adjusting itself by public selection, with the result that there are few of these types now in service.
The excellent work turned out by those engaged in the body-building industry of the country militates against the importation of foreign bodies. The local price of a 24-seater single-deck bus body, built of oak and ash, completely fitted with cane seats, and finished in good-quality paint, is approximately . £400.
It is practically impossible for manufacturers to make sales direct to the operator, and the agents or representatives of manufacturers who have sales organizations in Buenos Aires are in a better position to deal with the prospective bus buyer. The usual terms given by the agents are one-third cash and the remainder in instalments, with interest at S per cent. The financing is usually carried by the local agent, who pays cash or has other arrangements
with manufacturers. Recently, however, certain companies have been organized in Buenos Aires for the purpose of financing motor sales.
Although road conditions outside the larger cities have not permitted much inter-urban bus traffic, there is hardly a city or town in Argentina that would not benefit by an expansion of motorbus services, provided, however, that suitable arrangements could be made with regard to fares. Another possible but limited outlet for buses would be amongst tramway authorities in several of the larger cities, where it might be considered desirable to. supplement or replace their services with motorbuses. d