PROGRESS IN PASSENGER, TRAVEL.
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The Latest Doings and Developments in the Bus and Coach World.
Ban on Coaches.
Views of the Southampton County Council.
AFEW months ago, before making any definite proposals with regard to applications from district councils for the closure of certain roads to motor coach traffic, the Motor Car Committee of the Southampton County Council decided to confer with representatives of the Motor Trade _Association. Such a conference has since been held, representatives being present from the Motor Trade Association, the C.M.U.A., and several clubs and unions. The surveyors of the rural districts of New Forest, Ring wood, • Christchurch, Fordingbridge, and Lymington also attended.
As a consequence, the cOmmittee■ has reported that it appears that some of the roads scheduled as desirable for closure are those which it is most unlikely• charsilebancs xvould use, at • any rate, frequently. On the other hand, there appear to be roads used considerably by these vehicles, which are quite unsuited for the purpose, and if more suitable roads can be used as alternatives, it would appear to be of advantage generally, for the others to be closedi to coach traffic..
The committee is of opinion that it would be an unwise proceeding to prohibit the use of any class of vehicle on a large number of roads which that class of vehicle would be unlikely to use, as the expense incurred in so doing would have no corresponding advantage. Hence, the Committee has decided to postpone the further consideration of the application of closure until it is in possession, of fuller information on the subject, hoping, in the meantime, that with the assistance of the helpful and friendly spirit evinced at the conference it. will be possible to arrive at an arrangement that will be satisfactory to all concerned.
Tours "Dc Luxe."
-How Coach Tourists Command the Same Facilities as Private Motorists.
T0 EDUCATE the ,moter coach passenger to the standard of travelling insisted -upon by private motorists is a glorious ideal for char-k-bancs owners, and although it. is slowly being realized, extended tours, if they are to be made really attractive to what may be called file class of passenger who can afford to pay for the comforts of superior coaches and first-class hotel accommodation, the initiative must be taken by•the owners. It will be remembered that we recently published an interview with Mr. C. F.
vmer, of Wallasey and Liverpool, in which ineforecasted.a: greater recognition of the distinction between the tour " de luxe" and the " popular " tour. Without embarking upon!the-task of`defining 'these terms of relativity—which, in any case, is an unnecessary task, for all coach proprietors will appreciate the distinction—some details of what Messrs: 'Rymer•describe as the "tour de luxe" will probably be found of interest.
We joined the Grasmere coach at the Cunard Buildings, Liverpool, and it was obvious before the •end of the 94-mile journey, was reached that the organization of the tour had been prearranged right up to the minnte of departure. A Tilling-Stevens 18-seater coach, fitted with arm rests, was employed, and one Tow of seats was set aside for the storage of luggage, some of which was very bulky. Although some coaches have suit-' able luggage-storing spaces, these have not been evolved of the size which can be said to meet all demands.
We were driven at a steady pace by a driver whose care, cautiousness, and skill were in constant evidence, and we arrived at the Park Hotel in Preston, belonging to the L.N.W. and the L. and Y. railways, soon after one o'clock, where luncheon was served. There were a dozen or so private motorcars in front of the hotel, and the • Ry-mer ccach, we learnt, was the only conveyance of the kind that made this hotel its venue. Here there was a stop of about an hour and a half.
Soon after starting off on the Lancaster road an involuntary stop was made necessary, owing to the rebuilding of the road, consequent upon the raising of .the level of the Cardwell Bridge. The road is being raised at one part by about 10 ft., and, consequently, whilst work is proceeding on one side, the other is used by traffic, which ie worked on the relay system.
Lancaster, Carnforth, Kendal, Winder mere, and Ambleside were duly reached without any untoward incident, ancl then amid the undreamt-of romanticism of the Lake District, with its awe-inspiring crags ,and silent sheets of shimmering water, Visions were conjured up as to what "The Woodlands" at Grasmere
was really like. Of eourse,. although most of the passengers were entire strangers, they scon proved themselves a very sociable party, as usually happens in tours of this description.
"The Woodlands" then hove in sight, and through the trees that surround the estate the outline of an attractive-looking country mansion, silhouetted against a thickly wooded background, formed a delightful spectacle. "The Woodlands " is a venue for private mOtorists, but it is also an ideal resort for the "de luxe" motor coach tours. Week-end coaches. are run by Messrs. Rymers from Liver pool on the Saturday morning, and pas sengers are due to arrive in time for late dinner. "The Woodlands" has a charm which is peculiarly exclusive. In front are the tennis courts, bowling green, and grounds; on the left the garden, on the right (in a detached position) the garage, and at the rear the orchard, etc., with Forest Side, from which magni ficent views of the surrounding country can be obtained, as a background. Poultry, pigs, sheep, and cattle are kept for supplying the needs of the guests, and next year it is hoped that "The Woodlands" will be almost self-support ing in the-rnatter of vegetable. produce. The garage, a few yards away from the mansion itself, has accommodation for drivers and part of the upper portion of the premises has been neatly divided into cubicles, whilst below there has been provided a mess-room.
The purchase of " The Woodlands" by C. F. Rymer, Ltd., is a bold stroke of business. It offers with a studied con.
sideration facilities which first-class motor coach passerigers have never be fore enjoyed. We -were interested to observe that some week-enders, captivated by this ideal Lakeland resort, instead of returning by the coach on the Mdnday morning, as originally intended, decided to spend the week there. In no single respect does "The Woodlands" disappoint one's expectations of what a high-class motorist's hotel should be, It is also the starting-off place for coach tours through Lakeland by Rymer& coaches, the-following being some of the tours :—
Tour No. 1.—Grasmere, Ambleside, Cooke House, Troutbeck, Kirkstonse Pass, Patterdale' Ullswater, Aira. Force, Matteadale, Troutbe,ek (Cumberland), Threlkelcl, Keswick, Wythburn (Thirlmere), Grasmere. Fare .18s.
Tour No. 2.—Grasmere, Ambleside, Hawkshead, Newby Bridge, Cartrnel Priory, Cark Grange, Levens Gardens, Sizar Castle, Kendal Crook, Bowness, Ambleside, Grasmere. Fare 10s. -fid.
Tour No. 3.—Grasmere, Keswick, Bassenthwaite, CoCkermouth, Allonby,
Silloth, Red Dial, Bothel, Castle Inn (east side Bassenthwaite Lake) Keswick, West side Thirlmere Lake, 'Grasmere. Fare 14s. 6d.
Tour No. 4.—Grasmere, Ambleside, Skelwith Bridge, • Coniston, Broughton,. Kirby, Dalton, Furness Abbey, Ulversten, Greenothl, Newby .Bridge, Bowness, Cooke House, Ambleside, Grasmere. Fare 12s.
Tour No. 5.—Graemere, St. John's Vale, Threlkelcl, Penrith, Shap, over Shap Fells to Kendal, Staveley, Windermere, Ambleside, Rydal, Grasmere. Fare 10s. 6d. • Tour No. 6.—Grasmere, Ambleside. Kendal, Endinoor, Kirkby Lansdale, Ingleton (Falls and Cayes), Hornby Castle, Halton, Bolton-le-Sands; .Carnforth, Burton, Holme, Kendal, Windermere, Ambleside, Grasmere. Fare 12s. 6d.
Tour No. 7.--Grasmere, Keswick; stay three hours. Fare 8s.
Tour No. 8 (half -day).—Grasmere, Arnbleside, Langdale, Dungeon, Ghyll, return same way. Fare 8s.
One may summa -ize the distinctive features of Rymers' week-end tours to
the Lake District -ss follow :—(1) A carefully prearranged programme from the time of departure from Liverpool until the destinatioii is reached; (2) a sole regard for the comforts and needs of passengers; (a) parties in charge of a fully proficient and courteous driver.; (4) ideal provision for meals and hotel accommodation; (5) consideration. for the social needs of passengers; motor tours, bowls, tennis, etc., at "The Woodlands "and hotel comfort for those less active.
Coaches at Truro.
Asked by the Works Committee of the Truro Corporation to consider what fees should be charged for the char-it-hams and motorcar standing accommodation which has been provided, the General Purposes Committee recommends "no action."
Midland Coachbuilding.
All-season Vehicle Built by an Oldestablished Concern.
JOFIN MARSTON'S Carriage ..Woks, Ltd., Bradford Street, Birmingham, are a very old-established concern, and even to-day a visit to the factory discloses carriages going into production cheek by jowl with the more modern bodies destined for motor coaches and cars.
A type of motor coach body which this concern introduced years ago, and have since developed considerably, is that in which the whole of the top lifts off, leaving the vehicle to all intents and pur
poses an ordinary char-&-bancs. In the omnibus illustrated there is a smoking compartment in the rear, two side doors, and a ladder to give access to the,roof.
This typo of vehicle possesses many advantages over the ordinary type of coach, because it is virtually a two-inone vehicle. The incorporation of a removable top in the design permits the vehicle to be used as an open-type vehicle or as an enclosed saloon, thus providine an all-the-year-round usefulness for it. Where a user has not unlimited capita; the use of a two-in-one body obviatesAle necessity for the purchasekof a second chassis, although such a type virtually places two vehicles at the command of the user.
The more general type of open coach made by John Marston's is noteworthy for the roominess and comfort of its body. The neat and graceful curves of
the back of the seats are -well carried out, and. special care is taken to see that all the doors fit properly. This type of body is enormously strong, and several cases have been known where it has outlasted two chassis.
The concern has always enjoyed a reputation for turning out a good job. This has been due to two factors : firstly, the accuracy of the work itself ; and, secondly, the fact that the timber used has been in store for many years and is thns properly matured.
All kinds of bodies are made, an interesting speciality which has been developed consisting of a closed body which, by making certain alterations, can even be transformed into a motor saloon hearse. Several of this motor saloon hearse type of combination body have been made, it being possible to use the same car (1) as a private vehicle, (2) as a small saloon type omnibus, (3) as a hearse, or (4) as an ambulance, in which case a wheel bed is fitted inside.
• This, type of body is known as the general-purposes model,, and, when intended for occasional use as a motor hearse, is fitted with a rear door in addition to those at the side. Tip-up seats to accommodate from five' to nine people are part ofthe equipment on this purposes saloon model, which can be supplied without any funereal effects.
A Pot-pourri of Activity in the North Country.
if HERE seems to be considerable activity in developing the motor omnibus services of South-west Lanceshire at the present time. It is now proposed to link up Crossens, Banks and other outlying districts of Southpart and Preston. The Ribble Motor Services, Ltd., of Preston, have .already inaugurated a service of buses from Preston to Southport, via Longton, Tarleton and Mere Brow, and in order to make them of greater value to the public they propose to run at certain times, via an alternative route, through Tarleton, into Banks and on to Crossens. The West Lancashira Rural District Council now has the matter under consideration.
Permission has been granted for the running of a motorbus service between Layton and Carleton, near Blackpool, subject to conditions being arranged between the Blackpool Tramways.manager and the Chief Constable.
Correspondence. has been passing hetween the Ribble Motor Services' Ltd., of Preston, and the -Ministry of Transport, with reference to their motor mach, services from Blackpool. The Blackpool Watch Committee has adhered to its previous decision' that not rallIT than one and the same cha,r-h-liancs shall be' permitted to Ply for hire from any one stand.
The Corporation of Blackpooi has been inviting offers for the tenancy of a plot. of land having an area of 2,200 square yards, which has been appropriated for the accommodation of chars-a-basics visiting the town. The buildings which have been erected on the site include :— Large waiting room, lavatories, cloakroom, repair pit and shed, and immediate possession is offered. The successful applicant is required to carry on the business as a public coach station, and the charge for the parking of each vehicle must not exceed 2s. 6d. per day.
One of the busiest roads in the country for motor traffic is that between Preston and Blackpool, and.on a recent Sunday evening no fewer than 300 vehicles passed the police constable on duty at Lea, within half-an-hour. A census was taken for a period of 14 hours on each of the days from May 14th to 23rd, and during that period, 32,558 mechanically propelled vehicles (exclusive of bicycles) passed a given point between Ashton and Lea. The daily average was 3,255.8. On Monday, May 15th, the total was 4,897, including 1,961 motorcars and 1,023 motor coaches. The average daily weight was 7,193 tons.
The Crosville Motor Co. of Chester, are emplcying improved. type of bus on their Chester-New Ferry service. A feature of the new bodies is the provision of a small saloon at the rear for smokers.
No Toll on Brighton's Coaches.
SO MR days ago certain members of the Brighton Town Council insisted upon authorizing the collection of a fee of 5s. per day from all motor coaches requiring parking accommodation during their stay in thetown. At, week ends this season between 250 and 300 coaches have arrived after 11 o'clock in the morning, departing later in the day. As there is no ordinary garage accommodation available for such a number of vehicles, the authorities set apart a long strip of the undercliff road at Kemp Town, and the town council considered that this accommodation should be covered by the proposed toll of 5s, per. day.
When the matter was originally discusaed, the town clerk, whilst agreeing that the authorities were legally entitled to make a charge, agreed with the chief constable that it would raise difficulties for the police in dealing with this kind of traffic, but a motion was carried to enforce the charge forthwith. It was found that the only means by
which payment of the fee could be enforced was by erecting a barrier at the entrance to the parking ground, and that this could not be done -without infringing the rights of the public over an open road. In the circumstances the council formally rescinded the order.
It was stated in the course of the discussion that communications had been received from other towns, including Blackpool, .where special accommodation is made for coaches, that the charging system had proved to be a failure.
The watch committee agreed to a proposal to consider alternative arrangements for the accommodation of motor coaches next summer.
Coaches in Narrow Roads.
At a meeting of the Licensing Committee of the Worthing Corporation the hackney carriage inspector reported that Messrs. Samuelson and the Cambrian Coaching Co.,proprieters of motor coaches running betvveen London' and Worthing, were using the garage at the rear of the Marine Hotel and a point in South Street opposite Mr. F. G. Searle's premises, respectively, for taking up and setting down passengers, and that owing to the narrowness of the thoroughfare at this
point, the practice was dangerous and likely to lead to a serious obstruction.
The Town Clerk was asked to inforim the companies that the committee objects to the practice, and calls upon them to use the stand on the south side of Marine Parade opposite Steyne Gardens.
Accommodation at Rotherham.
Rotherham Watch Committee has considered the question of the provision of a central stand for the accommodation of chars-li-basics, and recoMmends that the. improvement committee be asked to provide a site, if possible, and that in the meantime the chairman and vicechairman and chief constable be authorized to make temporary arrangements.