No rush for longer buses BY DEREK MOSES

10th November 1967, Page 103

10th November 1967

Page 103

Page 103, 10th November 1967 — No rush for longer buses BY DEREK MOSES

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ALTHOUGH two months have

now passed since 12-metre (39ft 44in.) buses and coaches were legalized for operation in this country (COMMERCIAL MOTOR, September 8), there appears to have been no initial rush by operators to order vehicles of this length. This is, perhaps, not entirely surprising, as there are many places where the operation of vehicles this long must be tricky. It is in the field of long-distance motorway operation that 12-metre vehicles are likely to come into their own.

Indeed, two members of the Scottish Bus Group who operate services from Scotland to London have, as recorded in COMMERCIAL MOTOR, October 20, ordered Alexander-bodied Bristol REMH 12-metre coaches for these services. These are Eastern

Scottish, who have ordered eight, and Western SMT, who have ordered 16, for the Edinburgh-London and Glasgow-London services respectively. As these coaches are to be only 42-seaters this suggests they will be built to a very high standard of comfort.

However, one enterprising independent operator at least is going ahead with plans to introduce a 12-metre coach and might well qualify to be the first operator to place such a vehicle into service. The operator is Weardale Motor Services Ltd., Frosterly, Co. Durham, which has applied to the Northern Traffic Commissioners for permission to operate a 12-metre vehicle on all its routes and excursions and tours.

Mr. Maurice Gibson, general manager of the company, told me this week that he hopes to have the new coach in service by Whitsun next year. He has already received drawings from Plaxtons (Scarborough) Ltd. for a 59-seat Panorama coach body for the new vehicle, and is waiting to hear from Leyland

Motors Ltd. for confirmation of the chassis order.

Mr. Gibson said the chassis would probably be an extended-wheelbase Leopard fitted with the Leyland 0.680 underfloor diesel engine, Pneumocyclic transmission and two-speed rear axle.

Although operating in a rural area, Weardale Motor Services already runs four 36ft vehicles and these, Mr. Gibson tells me, are unmarked. The Traffic Commissioners have travelled over Weardale's routes in one of the 36ft buses, and no difficulties were encountered.

Despite the representations by manufacturers to the Government and the Ministry to sanction longer vehicles, only two manufacturers have officially announced the availability of 12-metre chassis. These are AEC, with a longer version of the Reliance, and Bristol Commercial Vehicles Ltd. with the REMH coach chassis.