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Manchester shows the way on :L.., one man, two decks
Page 33
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ANCHESTER City Transport is pressing ahead with its plan to build up a fleet consisting entirely of one-man-operated buses within the next 10 years. Its aim: to provide not only an efficient but also an economic transport system.
Earlier this year its negotiations with the busmen's leaders went extremely smoothly.
A working party of union members and management representatives took about six months to reach agreement over the 25 per cent increase in pay that the drivers of one-man double-deckers now receive.
Before the introduction of one-man double-deckers, Manchester was operating a fleet of 45 one-man single-deckers. These buses. which had been adapted for one-man operation, were not fitted with automatic fare collecting equipment; the driver is responsible both for issuing tickets and giving change. Because of this, they only operate on the least busy services.
Now 60 Leyland Atlanteans and the same number of Daimler Fleetlines have been converted for one-man operation.
These retain single front entrance and are each equipped with two Autoslot ticket issuing machines. Experiments have shown that it is best to place one Autoslot immediately to the right of the stairs and the other opposite (to the right of the door when entering). Drivers have rejected change-giving machines in favour of a simple cash tray.
To see whether the upper saloon is full, the driver has a periscope fitted above him on the offside of the cab. Through this he has a clear view of all the seats on the upper deck except for two on the nearside. Experi ments are now being carried out with four types of passenger counters which will provide an easier way for the driver to ascertain the number of upper-deck passengers. A Corporation spokesman told me that the type so far found to be most reliable and most likely to be used in the future is the tread system.
Forty-eight Atlanteans and 48 Fleetlines are soon to augment this fleet of converted buses. Delivery date is just after the turn of
Newcastle considers double
A PROPOSAL that its order for 30 Atkin.tean double-deckers should be altered to allow for o.m.o. is being considered by Newcastle-on-Tyne's transport committee.
Mr. F. Taylor, transport general manager, told the committee that one-man singledeckers were now almost universal in Europe and the USA. On high density services it was necessary to obtain an economic passenger load, to restrict seating and the year. Both types will be 31ft 4+in, long with a 1 6ft 9in. wheelbase and will be fitted with Park Royal bodies.
Forty-seven Atlanteans and 47 Fleetlines (both 33ft I lin. long) are due to be delivered in May. These, also, will probably be fitted with Autoslot machines, although they have been designed to accommodate turnstiles if preferred. All new buses will be wired for public address systems to be installed at a later date.
The only problem Manchester faces is how to deal with jointly operated services, for until other operators follow suit, Manchester will be the odd man out.
decker o.m.o.
carry a high proportion of standing passengers. This, however, could not match the high capacity of the double-decker.
The 30 buses ordered are not due for completion until next October. Another 50 buses, all suitable for o.m.o., are to be ordered for delivery in 1969. At present, there is no agreement between the Corporation and the unions covering one-man double-decker buses.