The Problem of the 27-ft. 6-in. Bus.
Page 40
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FE"'matters at present exercising the minds of passenger-vehicle makers and municipal buyers are causing more controversy than the question
of bus length. Until the issue with the recent Order of the Minister of Transport of a circular in which municipal councils were strongly recom mended not to license buses exceeding 26 ft. in overall length, the manufacturers had been led clearly to understand that the limit advised would be 27 ft. 6 ins. consequently all arrangements were made on this basis.
In certain important instances expensive plant and jigs were prepared with a view to stan dardizing the type, cheapening production and en larging the output. Makers and designers, in tact, congratulated themselves that at long last they had something definite on which to work. Now much of this preparation has been rendered futile, and the situation is once more anomalous.
It appears. to us that it would have been a vastly better policy for the circular to have re
commended the greater length as a general rule and the shorter vehicle only in the comparatively few instances where particularly. narrow roads and sharp corners make its use of any real importance. The additional 18 ins, make a big difference in respect of passenger accommodation and comfort, whilst having but little-effect on the manoeuvrability of a vehicle.
It is no too late for the Minister to take some action in this matter which would serve to clarify
the situation. The municipal authorities con
cerned could le privately advised not to be too severe in their requirements. If this be not done
we would suggest to municipal buyers that it would actualty be to their oWn advantage not to press for the 26-ft. limit.