REFINED TRAVEL BY SALOON BUS.
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4. Weil-furnished Vehicle in the Design of which the Features oh Comfort and Convenience Have Received Every Attention.
ON-emssenger vehicles which are mainly used for regular service over comparatively short routes it is desirable, from the point of view of the user, to obtain loads at all times which approach as 'nearly as possible to the maximum seating capacity, and parti
colardy is this so where the competitive factor creeps in. For this reason the bodies of buses which are used for such work are usually designed and constructed to seat as many passengers as possible without subjecting any of them to undue discomfort or inconvenience. In the case of vehicles which are used principally for long-distance work it is obvious that to attract 'patronage and retain it, it is of vital importance to provide the maximum comfort and convenience, for it is certain that unless a passenger can complete a journey without feeling wearied and cramped by oncomfertable seating an alternative means of travel will be sought, even althongh a higher fare be -asked for the identical. run.
Owners of passenger vehicles used over a wide area are aware of this fact, and usually place the requirements of passengers before that of big prhfits, realizing, as they do, that by giving comfortable and safe road travel they are building up goodwill, not only for themselyee but for the movement as a whole.
A typical example of the class of motorbus which is often used for longdistance work is shown in the group of pictures on this page, and a glance at the illustrations will readily convey the impression that due regard has been given to the subject of seating comfort without sacrificing passenger-carrying apace, for, as will be seen, gangway s.eats of a special type are included in the design of the body.
The saloon body, which is arranged to seat 34 passengers, is mounted on anA.E.C. Model 505 chassis which has a 45 b.p. engine', and in order that the body shallbe of roomy proportions for a given load, the wheelbase has been slightly lengthened. The seats, with the exception of those in the rear coinpartmeut, are of the bucket type, and being shaped to the back as well as adequately sprung and upholstered in leather, ensure travel which vies 'with that given by many a private car. From the foremost seats to the paiititaan which separates the small compartment at the rear, a series of gangway seats is disposed. The backs of these seats fold inwards and forwards on hinges on the fixed seats on the near side. The seats proper fold up to meet the backs and are retained in the vertical position' by stout straps from their ender. sides, holes in the straps engaging a fastening on the curved hacks. 'When these seats are not in use the width of the gangway
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is ample to facilitate the free movement of passengers.
The seats in the rear compartment are disposed round the sides and back of the body, although a wide door occupies most of the near side of that portion. There is also an entrance at the front which gives access to the main seating compartment as well as the driver's seat, although the latter is screened off from the passengers
Luggage racks run the whole length of the body sides, and loose curtains of the sliding type can be brought into use. Four windows on each side are arranged to open in order to ensure added ventilation for the interior, although the vents above the windows ensure an adequate supply of fresh air when the windows are closed.
The question of interior lighting has not been overlooked, and neat -fittings are disposed at suitable intervals on each side of the roof.
The general furnishing of the interior creates an atmosphere of refinement and comfort, and with its royal blue exterior outlined in gold the bus certainly possesses a most distinctive appearance.
This vehicle has recently been delivered to Mr. E. Johnstone, of Ballynabinch, whc already has several A.E.0: vehicles In his service which are giving satisfaction in the districts in Ireland in which he caters for the travelling public.•