Idling dispute in top gear
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1F Routemaster buses operating from Mortlake garage, at present modified to idle in neutral instead of second gear (COMMERCIAL MOTOR last week) are not restored to the former system London Transport faces a complete one-day strike by all central area bus drivers or January 9.
The modification to the automatic setting ol the gearboxes was made in an attempt to increase fuel economy by reducing gearbox drag wher busesore standing with the engine running.
Loudon Transport has stated that no further buses will be modified until a settlement has beer reached with the drivers, but at the time of writing had given no guarantee that the Mortlake vehicles would be converted back to second gear idling.
A meeting was held between busmen's represer tatives on Monday, but no decision was reached and a further meeting will be held shortly.