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Safety 'bleepers' on Runcorn's rapid-transit prototypes
Page 63
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TWO prototype buses designed for eventual use on the Runcorn New Town rapid transit system (described in COMMERCIAL MOTOR, March 31 1967) are to be placed in service shortly on existing services in Runcorn. The buses are 36ft Bristol RELL single-deckers with 36-seat Eastern Coach Works bodies and are being introduced by Crosville Motor Ser
vices Ltd.
As the low seating capacity suggests, the buses are intended for standee operation and have been designed for one-man use. Doublewidth front entrance doors are employed and separate double-width exit doors are placed centrally in the body. Ahead of the exit doors seating is restricted to three single seats on each side of the gangway to leave the maximum amount of room for standees. Behind the exit, double-width seats are employed and all seats face forwards.
The seats themselves are of reinforced plastics, scientifically shaped and claimed to be very comfortable. They have an attractive appearance obtained by the pattern moulded into the plastics material. Ventilation is good and ample heating is provided by units at the front and rear of the bus. Convenient rails are provided for the benefit of standing passengers.
The chassis are fitted with semi-automatic transmission and have full air braking.
It is intended to employ a new type of ticket issuing machine and canceller which handles the issue of tickets automatically and such a machine was fitted to one of the buses demon
strafed earlier this month. Initially, however, this machine will not be used.
Every effort has been made to help the passenger and driver. Inside mirrors have been fitted to give the best view possible of passengers and doors and there is a reversing light and "bleeper" to warn people who may be behind the bus when it is about to reverse. The two vehicles have "Rapid Transit" signs on the side which will become familiar as the New Town develops.