British Enterprise in Foreign Coachtour Operation
Page 65
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Some Details of the Organization of Messrs. European Motorways and one of the Latest Vehicles Which the Firm has Purchased for Foreign Travel
THE many complexities associated with coach operation in this country have been so prominent of recent years that those connected with the passenger-transport industry have not, perhaps, been aware of the steady progress made in arranging foreign tours by coach for those persons resident in this country, or those who are visiting it. Nevertheless, if the experience of Messrs. European Motorways, Chesham House, 150, Regent Street, London, W.1, a lending firm specializing in this exclusive class of service, be a fair criterion, much public support continues to be available for foreign travel by road motor. This organization has been operating under its present title since 1930, and each succeeding year has witnessed an extension of activity. Last year 700 passengers were carried, and when one considers the comprehensive character of the tours and the distances which are travelled, this must be regarded as highly satisfactory, and indicative of the forethought and attention given to passengers' requirements, so that they are spared the anxieties often associated with travel abroad, more especially if they be unfamiliar with the language of the country.
"See Europe from an Armchair" is a slogan that conveys a true picture of the firm's pullman motor tours, and of the comfort and convenience afforded by the modern and well
equipped rolling stock that is used. The fleet that will be engaged on this year's tours comprises three Citriiens, two Leylands and a Rolls-Royce, whilst it is expected that at least three other vehicles will be regularly hired from French or German concerns to meet traffic needs.
We recently had an opportunity of inspecting one of the first-named vehicles, which is a 20-seater with a luxury-type body built by Duple Bodies and Motors, Ltd., Edgware Road, Hendon, London, N.W.9. From the accompanying illustrations it will be seen that its exterior lines are smart and flowing, whilst the interior appointments are invitingly restful, there being no suggestion of cramping. When it is borne in mind that the overall width of the vehicle is 7 ft. 8 ins, and the gangway width only 9 ins., it will be seen that ample room is available for the seats, which are arranged in double formation on the near side and in singles on the off side.
The seats are of the armchair pattern, with twin arms, and the deep cushions are reversible. Attached to the driver's seat, on the near side (lefthand steering is, of course, employed), is a folding seat for the courier, and on the off side the back of the single passenger seat incorporates ,a Clayton
heater. Each seat-back embodies a flush-fitting, glass-topped, veneered
walnut folding table, below which is a deep pouch for newspapers. Apart from other uses, these tables are handy when hot refreshments are served from the Thermos. jugs ,that are carried in an enclosed cabinet, along with cups and saucers, in the rear dome ; the front of the cabinet is hinged at the bottom so that its contents can be readily reached.
A 6-in, ramp is given to the floor so that all passengers obtain a good view, whilst all side windows, which are of Lancegaye safety glass, are made to be lowered. The head embodies a Sunsaloon fitting, which opens right back to the rear, and at the cant-rail level are full-length solid parcels racks. The headroom is 5 ft. 10 ins,, whilst the overall length of the coach is 28 ft.
7 ins., and its height when laden is 8 ft. 9 ins.
Apart from side lockers in the skirting, there is a capacious compartment
at the rear for luggage. The latter houses the standard-size suitcases which the firm issues to passengers and which become their property at the end of the tour. It is interesting to learn that the firm arrange a 24hour laundry service at the hotels that are used, thus reducing the need for luggage surplus to actual needs.
Some idea of the comprehensive• character of the firm's tours can be gathered from the programme planned for 1935. It includes the following :— Riviera (15 days), Swiss (12 days), Bavarian (16 days), Dolomites and Italian Lakes (22 days), Central European (25 days), .North Spain and Portugal (28 days), Italian (29 days), Carpathian (26 days), Scandinavian (27 days), and Baltic (30 days). In addition, there is a Grand European Tour, which covers 54 days and includes visits to the capitals of Europe. Two of the most interesting tours are combined sea-and-land cruises, in conjunction with the P. and 0., Orient and Bibby lines.
The charges include first-class hotel accommodation and meals throughout, all gratuities and sight-seeing fees. The firm •are a British organization and employ British drivers and couriers.