Experimental Panther for Stockholm
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AN EXPERIMENTAL Leyland Panther rear-engined single-deck bus with 41-seat Park Royal body has been placed in service by Stockholm Tramways, where it will be tested aiongsde buses from several other countries. It is anticipated that several hundred new buses will have to be ordered soon by the company, in readiness for Sweden's conversion from left-hand to right-hand traffic in 1967.
The body of the Panther is of a new design, employing light alloy framing, although the front and rear contours retain the familiar outline with wrapround screens standatdized by the B.E.T. group. Space is provided for 23 standing passengers and for the stowage of push chairs, the bus being of front entrance, central exit layout, and designed for oneman (orwoman—Stockholm employs several young women drivers) operation.
Special features employed on the bus include a Storno radio-telephone for contact between vehicle and base. public address loud speakers inside and outside the vehicle, roof level exhaust discharge, fully automatic gearbox, power-assisted steering and handbrake, air leaf suspension and an automatic passenger operated -exit door. When a passenger wishing to alight pulls the bell cord a stopping sign is illuminated which is in full view of the driver, and the brakes are automatically applied when the bus stops. Two pairs of photo-electric cells are situated near the exit door, and departing passengers have to break both beams, the system being designed so that the beams have to remain unbroken for 10 seconds before the brakes can be unlocked.