PASSENGER TRAVEL NEWS.
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The Latest Doings and Developments in the Bus and Coach World.
CONSIDERATIONS FOR THE OFF-SEASON.
Now is the Time to Overhaul the Organization and Administration of a Passenger Vehicle Fleet.
AT THIS time of the year most motor coach owners, if they have not already done so, turn their, thoughts towards their organization problems.
From the end of the coaching season in the authtrin to the commencement of the next season, the following spring, it is the usual thing for more or. less desultory work to be done in overhauling and reconditioning -the vehicles for the coming strenuous six or nine months (the revenue-earning period depending upon the locality and the amusements and attractions thereof). Body alterations and modifications, painting, chassis repairs, engine adjustments, and all manner of odd jobs require attention.
A few weeks before the fine weather is due to arrive, there is usually a decided quickening of interest, and arrangements. for the final tuning up and inspection proceed with renewed vigour. Things other than those actaally appertaining to the vehicles themselves, however, require careful consideration by the progressive owner who wishes to see his business bring him in a fair return for his labour. Mistakes were made last season, opportunities for business were lost—and thete all mean mOney.
Competition is becoming fiercer, and the more carefully prepared the plan of campaign the better will this competition be met and overcome. Time-tables must be carefully examined and, if necessary, modified or enlarged and extended. Arrangements for advance bookings must be completed and as many vacant dates as possible filled up.
Careful attention to points of this nature will mean a more successful season, and that is everybody's right and should be everybody's aim. few hours of careful thought at this period, when there is the time to sit down and devote attention to details. of organization, will make a surprising difference to the balance-sheet at the end of the seasons—much more remarkable than many would imagine ; and new is the time, whilst the memory • is fresh, to recall the faults and the failings disclosed during the past season.
A hick of organization or a slackness in headquarters arrangements must always mean waste, and very few can afford that to continue for long. Close attention should be paid to the methods of dealing with supplies in the garage.. It is a fact that often as much material is lost in waste as is actually used. This may, at first sight, appear to be rather a sweeping assertion, but on investiga • tiOn it will be found to be very true. Another point that needs careful at
tendon is in connection with the vehicles themselves. Various minor adjustments and replacements that are required during the season are apt to he postponed to await a more favourable opportunity for rectification. This is frequently a very natural temptation, but these slight faults occasionally become aggravated to such an extent as to necessitate tatting. the vehicle off the road for repair at the busiest period, resulting in a much increased bill for the work and loss of profits. This lack of organization and care cannot be said to be peculiar to an particular district, but is encountered here and there amongst owners of both large and small fleets in nearly all parts of the countrs.
It is, therefore, suggested that coach owners generally should make particular efforts during their period of slackness to give careful consideration to their individual organizations with a view to ensuring that thdre is, in any case, no waste or extravagance is practised.