A COMPLETE MOTORBUS SYSTEM RECOMMENDED FOR BOURNEMOUTH
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Bournemouth Chamber of Trade Does Not Propose the Substitution of Trolley-buses for the Tramway System 11 A DEPUTATION of the Bournemouth Chamber of Trade, which was appointed by the executive committee to investigate passenger-transport systems in five south-coast towns, has completed its inquiries, and, after a fairly thorough investigation of the possibilities of adopting a complete trolley-bus system in the place of the existing tramways service throughout the Bournemouth area, has stated that it is of the opinion that trolley-buses cannot be recommended.
According to this deputation, trolleybuses have been adopted in other towns mainly where a change-over from tramcars has been necessary, and the determining factor seems to have been the desire to continue to make use of the existing electricity supply, as well as the acinptation of overhead electrical equipment.
But when it comes to a study of the position in Bournemouth, the elimination of the unsightly overhead wires and the supporting standards is particularly desirable, and it is pointed out that the conversion from the tramcar systein to trolley-buses not only Would double the number of overhead wires and increase the. amount of gear, but would also entail the expenditure of some 2,000 per mile, quite apart from subse
quent maintenance costs.
The good features of the trolley-bus in respect of its comparative silence. speedy and smooth acceleration and braking, the report states, are not overlooked, but, as against this, the mobility and independence of the motorbus con
stitute a tremendous advantage, and the impression was obtained by members of the deputation that the motorbus offers opportunities for still further refinement and improvement in design.
Where decisions have to be taken untrammelled by consideration of capital already sunk, • the motorbus system appears to be the one that finds favour. In reference to Eastbourne, in particular, it was stated to be a real delight to find a town free from the unsightliness of overhead wiring:
The . report concludes by recommending, without any hesitation, the change-over from the present Bournemouth tramway system to a general motorbus system. The burden of the capital debt on thetramways has not been disregarded, but it is believed that the revenue derived from a well-run motorbus system would liquidate that capital, 'as well as financially cover the motorbus services themselves.
The executive_ committee has, at a recent meeting, adopted this report.