Passing Comments
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Condu ctors Will Not IF present suggestions come Approve New Fare to fruition, bus fares in Increases . London will be increased, and the penny fare vanish. Whilst this step must be greatly regretted, it appears to be inevitable. It is our belief that people have become accustomed to higher prices for almost everything, and that it will not make a tremendous difference to the numbers carried. The chief sufferer will be the poor bus conductor, to whom the penny fare was a boon; now, he will have to worry with halfpennies and find more change, which will add to the black-out inconveniences.
THERE is little doubt that I in peace-time some of the revised regulations covering vehicle design, etc., will be retained indefinitely. One concession, which, however, might well be made now, is an additional allowance in the length of four-wheeled buses and coaches to bring these into line with the six-wheelers, and thus make the former a more economic and satisfactory proposition. So far as we can see, there is nothing against the proposal, and to refuse it is merely petty obstinacy on the part of the authorities concerned.
Permit all Buses the Same Overall Length
Vehicles Again Liable A LL commercial vehicles are
to Inspection for Fitagain liable to close inspec ness tion by vehicle examiners work ing under the Regional Transport Commissioners. For a time, this activity was suspended, but it has been realized that, especially in the case of vehicles earmarked for special service, it is essential that they should be in thoroughly reliable operating order. Apart from general condition, the examiners are paying particular attention to the efficiency of brakes, steering gear and tyres. Any machine not roadworthy can be immediately pro hibited. It is suggested that agents and repairers should get into personal touch with their customers to draw attention to this important point, and offer to contract for periodic examination and report on vehicle condition.
Whims of Passengers THE life of a bus conductor Which Amuse Bus I is not without it spice of Conductors . humour, and, incidentally, he
becomes, in many instances, quite a student of human nature—in fact, -Co be a really good conductor, he must be something of a psychologist. Even in London before the war particular buses had their regular clients who looked with annoyance at any interlopers taking their favourite seats. Certain travellers have their own curious characteristics. One old lady would look around the bus to find a seat next to an open window a.nrd then invariably ask the conductor to close it. Others change their seats frequently, even on a short journey, until they finally attain to those they particularly desire. We would like information from our readers as -to other incidents, humorous or curious, which they have noticed.
Ambulance Officer's A N A.R.P. ambulance officer Don'ts for Local 11 has sent us the following A.R.P. Committees. . notes for the attention of local
A.R.P. committees which have been authorized to spend l5O on an ambulance,— Don't buy a chassis so out of date that those accustomed to modern vehicles have to learn to drive all over again. Don't forget that the overall length of a stretcher is 7 ft. 9 ins, and fit a body too short to accommodate it. Don't, in trying to give sufficient length for the stretcher, take a slice off the driver's cab—no man can drive safely with the wheel grating on his coat buttons. Don't give the driver an uncomfortable seat, even though voluntary workers will put up with a lot without complaining. Don't forget to provide a safe measure of inside lighting so that loading may be speedily achieved without danger of adding to the patients' injuries.