Who Objects to Longer 'Buses?
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L■OR about 15 years, manufacturers andopera-11 tors have been pressing the Minister of Transport to authorize the construction of four-wheeled buses 30 ft. long. During that period there have • been changes of Government and Minister, but the opPosition to an increase in the overall length of public service vehicles has been, unswerving.
Who has been responsible for this dogmatic attitude? Obviously, the length of ..a bus. is not a matter of Party politics and, in any event, the decision has been upheld by successive Governments of different political shades. Ministers are not experts in their subjects and their decisions are inspired—but by whom? In this case, the source of the advice is .not altogether clear. Most of the power of a Ministry reposes in the hands of its permanent officials, but in this particular instance, inquiries have failed to elicit any deep-rooted objection on the part of Ministry of Transport officers to an increase in the length of buses. It appears, therefore, that the guiding influence stands outside Whitehall (or Berkeley Square), and suspicion falls naturally on local and county authorities, and possibly the police, as being the most likely to object. Unfortunately, the " enemy " has remained under cover, and his identity is unlikely to be revealed by the Minister under pressure in the I-louse of Commons. The Minister is always able to shelter behind an earlier answer, or the sanctity of departmental proceedings.
The road transport industry is, therefore, unable to measure the potency of the case of the opposition and, like all those who fight in the dark, is helpless against an 'unseen antagonist. It Can only hope that constant repetition of its case, and the outpourings of intending passengers who are left behind at bus stops, will eventually impress Upon the Minister's independent judgment the justice and practical utility_ of permitting an increase in the seating capacity of buses.