AT THE HEART OF THE ROAD TRANSPORT INDUSTRY.

Call our Sales Team on 0208 912 2120

The Progress of the Sleeper Coach.

18th September 1928
Page 13
Page 13, 18th September 1928 — The Progress of the Sleeper Coach.
Close
Noticed an error?
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.

Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

T"pessimists will not be able to say "I told you so" about the Albatross sleeper service between Liverpool and London—it has undoubtedly come

to stay. Although prepared to meet with general difficulties, and even with small patronage during the first few weeks of operation, Albatross Roadways, Ltd., 9-10, Pancras Lane, London, BO, has found that the results have been better than were expected—so much so, in fact, that it has already placed an order for another A.E.C. vehicle, with a body, of similar design to that of the coach already in service. This machine is in course of construction, and should shortly be on the road. Incidentally, we may mention that the company is particularly pleased with the excellent service and assistance given in several matters by the maker of the chassis in question.

Higher-powered Engines to be Used.

It is also interesting to note that the new vehicle is to be fitted with the latest Daimler high-powered engine recently described in this journaL So soon as it can be spared from service, the present vehicle is also to be fitted with an engine of this particular pattern in place of the present one. This arrangement will enable the machines to make steady journeys without much recourse to the intermediate gears, thus avoiding a slightly troublesome feature, which is liable to disturb those passengers on the

bus who sleep lightly—namely, the noise caused by the frequent changes of gear normally desirable with the lowerpowered engine. It must be understood, of course, that in ordinary day service this feature would be quite orthodox and not in-the least a troublesome factor.

Regular Running.

The operator tells us that the vehicle at present in use has travelled about 1,320 miles per week since the inception of the service. With the exception of the first two days—the drivers then had knowledge of the route only through the medium of maps—times have been maintained almost to the minute, this even including one run in which dense mist was encountered for part of the way.

Business people form the bulk of those travelling by the Albatross bus, and it is stated that all but a very few of the passengers enjoy a sound night's sleep en route. A large proportion of women, about 40 per cent., is carried on each journey, but the arrangements of 'the vehicle are so convenient that nearly all the passengers carried so far have been able to change into their night attire in comfort, thus further ensuring a good night's rest during the journey.

Keen Public Interest.

Public interest in, this enterprise, stimulated by, the -Press, has been particularly noticeable, which augurs well for the future of the service. Thus, it should not be long beforeother operators take up the lead of Albatross Roadways, Ltd., although it is said that this form of commercial work, to be carried out at fares low enough to make a special -attraction to the public, needs the eye of a financial expert on the operating costs generally. In conclusion, we may say that the company is contemplating further interesting developments in the near future. At the date of writing, however, the proposed London-to-Newcastle sleeper service of Reliance Express Motors, Ltd., Darlington, recently referred to in this journal, has not yet materialized.

Tags

Locations: Liverpool, London

comments powered by Disqus