An Experimental Central-entrance Double-decker
Page 32
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1N int issue for last week We gave a few details, together with two illustrations, of the new "'pay-as-youboard " bus which has been put on Route 65—Ealing to Hook—by London Transport. It is, essentially, an experiment, and until it has been in operation for some time it will not be possible to assess whether or not it can lay claim, from the practical aspect, of being an advance on existing types.
As to whether it is a success or antis largely in the hands of the travelling public. . Passengers can help by allowing those who wish to alight to do so without being impeded; by having the correct fare ready when boarding and so save any bold-up at the conductor's counter; by moving quickly to a seat after paying their fare, or, if a seat be not available, by moving away from the platform and down the gangway as quickly as possible.
In view of the fact that the conductor sits at a counter and issues tickets by means of a machine somewhat similar to a cash register, he is relieved, of the necessity of mounting the stairs every few minutes. The pneumatically operated door, awhich is controlled by the conductor, is of , special light construction to give easy working, and slides airing the outside ,a30 of the body. It is driven by a longstroke door unit mounted above it, access being gained to the unit via detachable panels. There is no danger of .a passenger being trapped as the door closes, because suitable precautions have been taken to prevent such a happening.
. An air pressure of 75 lb. per sq. in. is 'used to operate the door, the air reservoir, in which a pressure of 100 lb, per sq. in. is maintained, being mounted on the frame of the vehicle. The air compressor, which is of the reciprocating type, is belt driven from the gearbox. In case of emergency, the air supply to the door can be isolated, from both inside and outside the vehicle, by means of a suitable valve..
As mentioned in our issue for last week, the bus chosen for the apedmerit is an S.T.L.-type, with directinjection oil engine, Fluid Flywheel and pre-selector gearbox. It is a 56-seater, 24 passengers being carried on the lower deck, which is divided into two sections of 12 seats each, and 32 on the upper deck.
In his position between the two sections on the lower deck, the conductor has a clear view of all the seating, that on the upper deck being shown in a suitably positioned mirror.
The principle of operation of this vehicle is that, on approaching a stop, the conductor will cause the sliding door to open and passengers who wish to alight will do so first, and then, when passengers have boarded the bus, the conductor will close the door. There is -sufficient space for eight per-, sons to queue on the platform, and alter they have paid their fare at the counter they can move either to the right or _left, or' pass up the stairs to the upper deck.
If change be required, the conductor obtains • the money from suitable recesses incorporated in the counter. The ticket-issuing machine is capable of giving tickets ranging from a farevalue of lid. upwards, either singly Or in -numbers, each ticket . being' dated and Stage stainpedi:
The success or otherwise of this experiment will be watched with considerable interest.