GLC doubts fuel figures
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AMOS's fuel consumption predictions for its Ford Transit minibuses are unachievable, counsel for the Greater London Council argued.
It said the forecast of £8.93 fuel costs per bus per day implied 18mpg for the two litre petrol-engined automatic Transits, while London Transport's dieselengined Transits achieved only 14 to 16mpg in the suburbs.
Amos agreed it had not tested the vehicles in service, but said the figure of 18mpg had been provided by Ford and it had no reason to question that.
The GLC is concerned about the possible effects the minibuses will have on traffic congestion, and challenged Mr Shepherd's claim that Amos will replace cars for a significant volume of traffic.
Mr Shepherd said his buses would not stop at other operators' bus stops without prior agreement, nor within 150ft of junctions or at other awkward spots. He agreed with inquiry inspector Geoffrey Holden that special arrangements would be needed for especially busy areas like Oxford Street where London Transport stops are placed at frequent intervals.
He said he hoped that the introduction of competitive private bus services, like those planned by Amos, would lead to a planned overall reduction in LT's own services, and not to a "haphazard" reduction as competition takes effect.