Crush-loaders for 'One-man Operation
Page 40
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
TWO A.E.C. Reliance crush-load buses which Reading Corporation placed in service last Sunday are designed for one-man operation. The corporation are taking delivery of six such buses to combat the problem of rising costs on unremunerative routes end meet the needs of new housing estates.
The Burlingham 30-ft. by 8-ft. bodies were built to the specification of the general manager, Mr. W. J. Evans. They are designed to carry 34 seated and 26 standing passengers. The front entrance and centre exit have poweroperated doors interlocked with the accelerator pedal to prevent the bus moving while the doors are open. If the buses operate to full capacity, it conductor may be carried.
To reduce unnecessary ringing of the bell by passengers when no conductor is carried, the initial pressing of the bell illuminates a panel, with the words, "Bus stopping," with stays alight until the bus has stopped and the doors have been operated.
To facilitate loading, a new type of ticket-issuing machine may be installed whereby the driver issues tickets by press-button control; the passenger accepting the ticket -direct front the machine.
Initially, the buses will serve an estate to the west of Reading.