Seat spacing gets star grading
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After more than two years of preparation by leading German tour operators, travel trade associations and coach builders, a new co-operative organization "Bus-Komfort" has z been set up with the sole aim of
promoting a graded "seal-of-quality" promoting a graded "seal-of-quality" for psv used for private hire and tours. In a presentation at Stuttgart, at the end of November, Bus-Komfort exhibited several different vehicles ranging from a dual-purpose bus to a. luxury coach to explain the system of allocating from one to four comfort stars."
Although for the present mechanical features like air suspension or high engine hp ratings — both contributory factors towards better travel — are not taken into account such features as air conditioning, galley and wc are surprising omissions from the list of "musts" for a four-star award.
Main criteria for the allocation of the stars, which will be displayed at the side and rear of the vehicle and indicated in coach operators' literature, include seat spacing ranging from a minimum of 68cm in a (one-star) bus, 72cm in a (two-star) excursion bus, 77cm in a longdistance coach (three stars)to 83cm in a (four-star) luxury coach. Four stars also call for freedom from wheelarch intrusion and reclining seats. Windows in a four-star coach must not be subject to condensation; this may be achieved through double glazing or air vents.