Comfortable Travel for Disabled
Page 59
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LAST week the London County Council put into service a Dennis Triton coach designed for use by physically handicapped people. The chassis used is similar to that which forms the basis of the 70 21-seat coaches operated by the education department of the council for the transport of physically handicapped schoolchildren. Outwardly, the body is similar to the 21-seaters, but the interior is totally different.
There arc four single seats facing forward and four double seats facing inwards. The Dunlopillo cushions are covered with patterned moquette. Each single seat is fitted with a Safcride harness for passengers who find it difficult to retain a sitting position in a moving vehicle.
The centre gangway, which is free of obstruction, is about 3 ft. wide and 14 ft long. It will accommodate three wheeled chairs ,of the largest type. At the rear of the vehicle is a Burfonwood hydraulically operated tail lift by means of which the wheel-chair passengers can be raised to floor level or lowered to the ground smoothly and safely.
When travelling, the lifting gear is enclosed by the fulllength double doors. When the chairs have been wheeled into position they are prevented from moving by a special anchorage.
Those passengers who are capable of walking can enter the coach either by a central entrance or by using the tail lift. To reduce the effort required to enter by the side door there are three steps with treads only 7 in. apart. The treads are fitted with non-slip plates and are automatically illuminated when the dom is opened.
Space is provided for a number of collapsible wheel chairs which form part of the equipment of the vehicle. These chairs are for use by passengers who, whilst able to travel in the normal fixed seats, require a wheeled conveyance at the beginning or end of the journey. The Dennis Triton chassis is powered by a 68 b.h.p. 3.77-litre petrol engine. Having a wheelbase of only 10 ft. 6 in. it is able to manceuvre satisfactorily in narrow streets and congested areas. Special attention is given to the suspension, the "soft" springs being controlled by hydraulic
shock absorbers. The transport officer in the supplies department was responsible for the design.