U.S. Bus Operator's Progressive Methods
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('NE of America's most progressive %.../passenger-transport organizations is the Eastern Massachusetts Street Railway, which operates in 20 cities and 51 towns from .Newburyport to Fall River, with the main office at the hub of the network in Boston.
Between 15 and 20 years ago, this organization, like others in the U.S. street-railway field, was faced with considerable traffic losses as a result of private-car competition. In order to meet the situation, the company modernized its entire system, replacing *trams with buses that gave a better service with lower costs. To-day, the undertaking possesses sound equipment for both operation and maintenance.
Not only are its vehicles straamlined and attractive, but garage and terminal buildings have also been planned to be pleasing eta the eye. The main office block and station at Boston, known as Haymarket Square Terminal Building, is considered to be one of the best examples of its kind. Modern garages are located at Brockton, Lowell, Melrose, Norwood, Salem, Lynn, Lawrence, Fall River and other points.
The rolling stock of the undertaking receives consistent attention. At the end of each day's run all the buses that have been in service are driven in to inspection pits and given a thorough examination by trained mechanics. At the same time, greasing and routine maintenance are carried out, a card system being kept for point-by-point checking, so that the inspection shall be as near foolproof as possible. Brakes, lights, windscreen wipers and such safety items, are rigidly tested. The vehicles are cleaned inside and out to a daily schedule.
The company has. recently taken delivery of 10 White Model 798 buses; this follows orders during the past 12 months for 25 White Model 788 buses. All the new vehicles incorporate allmetal bodies, which are mainly of aluminium-alloy and -high-tensile steel, and have White 12-cylindered engines located below the floor level. Model. 788 measures 33 ft. overall and the body layout was arranged to meet the particular requirements of the E.M.S.R., there being seats for 38 passengers and plenty of standing room for dealing with traffic at peak hours, Model -798 has an overall length of 35 ft. with seats for 45 persons.
Whilst district garages are well equipped with the latest machinery and handling devices, the company also operates main overhaul shops at Brockton, where more than 100 mechanics and specialists are eseployed. Facilities cover not only' ordinary operations, but include dynamometer engine testing and oil analysis. An extensive spares department is kept in orderly manner and a special card system covers the flow of components to the repair shops and to the company's local garages.
The undertaking carries over 100,000,000 passengers each year, the majority of these travellers relying on the E.M.S.R. for transport between home and work.