Strachans' new side-loading welfare bus
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• To allow disabled passengers in wheelchairs to be more easily and safely loaded and unloaded to and from a welfare bus, Strachans (Coachbuilders) Ltd., Hamble, Hants, has introduced a side-loading version of its Pacerider model as an alternative to the rear-loading bus.
The Pacerider is an all-metal body based on the Bedford VAS chassis with an overall length of 25ft and width of 7ft 8in. It accommodates 21 passengers in forward facing seats and four wheelchairs— alternatively it can have 29 seats only.
The side door is situated between the axles, 8ft 2+in. from the front of the bus to the leading edge of the aperture; the latter
is 5ft wide. The doors are manually worked and of the outward opening double folding type: they have full-depth glazing.
The step well is formed by the lift platform and has a hinged intermediate step with treads and risers of chequered light alloy. The wheelchair lift is the Ratcliffe electrohydraulic type with the step hinging down to provide a platform for one wheelchair and an attendant. Electricity for the equipment is supplied by the vehicle batteries so that the lift may be operated without the use of the engine.
Accommodation is provided on the offside for three inward facing chairs and on the nearside for one forward facing chair; lashing rails and flush brass drop rings are fitted for the security of the chairs. A side door allows, if required, an 80 cu. ft. rear luggage locker to be fitted.