The Star
Page 36
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Spangled Manner
IN these Isles of Austerity new buses, I when available, slip into circulation without a fanfare of trumpets or roll of drums—and probably without any appreciation whatsoever on the part of the public regarding the progress that may be exemplified by the vehicles in
question Our• news pages, however, bear testimony to the fact that, in the • United States, passenger undertakings are more conscious of the value of public interest in their operations and, as a result, their passengers are kept better informed.
When Capital I ransu Lines. of Washington D.C., recently took delivery of the first ZO vehicies from a contract for a particular type, an °pea invitation was issued to the public tu inspect them and to have an advance ride before the units went into regular service.
Previously, the operator concerned had taken a censw to find out the public's preference in certain alternative features, and this served as a guiding influence, particularly in the choice of interior appointments and finishes. Thc invitations to " road-test " thvehicles contained details of the various innovations, and at the appointed hour crowds of people turned
it2
up for a run over the demonstration route.
We hesitate, however, to suggest that the example of Capital Transit Lines be
followed by British 'operators. In a land Where members of the public are getting too inured: to taking what they can get and having to like it, any such demonstration might well be received with dubious feelings if only because of the prevalently lurking fear that better things inevitably herald higher prices. On the servicing side, bus companies in the States, are busy modernizing theic equipment. An excellent example is to be found in a new truck put into commission by the Kansas City Public Service Company. Designed and built by the operating concern, it not only incorporates all the equipment necessary to deal with breakdowns but carries two-way radio equipment.
One of its features is a light type of crane or hoist, which can be used for lifting wheels, tyres and batteries, the bloc!. tackle being electrically operated. The crane is rated at 5 cwt. and it can be erected or dismantled in about one minute.