THE PILOT COACH ON A SERVICE FOR PILOTS.
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Fleet Additions Called for in the Development, of a Useful Cross-country Route.
A CROSS-COUNTRY bus service AL which has developed to considerable importance in the course of a little over 12 months is that operated between Tilbury and Cheltusford by the Wiekford Carriage Co., Ltd., of Wickford, Essex.
The service was started in the summer of 1928 by Mr. 0. W. Spurling, who is now managing director of the company, 14-seater coaches of American manufacture being utilized. Later two 26-seaters were purchased because there was every indication of the service becianing a
popular -one. • • The reason for this is that it links up villages and 'to-Wns which previously had to depend on circuitous methods of transport and it provides the only direct' .connection between Tilbury Docks and
East Anglia. Because of this it has developed into a. popular route for pilots who have to board steamers off the east coast to bring them into the Thames.
In selecting new vehicles the company has bad to consider the fact that some of the roads traversed are of a narrow and winding character, their surfaces being rather poor ; also, a number of quite steep hills has to be negotiated.
The latest purchase, which the company has just made, is that of an A.J.S. Pilot 26-seater coach, equipped for forward control. The machipe was suppliedby thern Palace Garage, Eccleston Bridge, London. S.W.1, the canoessionnaire in the Loudon district for
A.J.S. commercial motors, and the body was constructed bY Metealfes (London), Ltd.; at Romford. 'This new vehicle is of orthodox type, having an entrance on the near side behind the rear wheels and glass louvres over the side windows; all of which, incidentally, are of the Metcalfe adjustable pattern. An advantage of this window is that it is poasible to
replace-it without removing the seats or garnish rail.
The seats have detachable cushions made with Vi-spring frames and springsteel back supports.
The new vehicle has been put into service and is extremely popular. Eight journeys in each direction are operated daily during the week, four journeys in each direction being run on Sundays. The fares are 2s. 3d. single and 3s. returnvery moderate 'prices-considering that the Single journey is 26 miles and, because of the rather difficult road, occupies 21 hours. •