PASSENGER AND GOODS SERVICES IN DEVON.
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Formation and Development of the Devon General Omnibus and Touring Co., Ltd.
REALIZING the great possibilities in opening up omnibus services in South Devon, with Exeteras a centre, Mr. John S. Mill, who for several years was connected with the well-known London concern of Jarrott, Ltd., opened up negotiations in February, 1919, with the Devon County Council and the various highway authorities concerned, and eventually permission was obtained in the following May for omnibuses to run between Exeter to such well-known places in South Devon as Torquay, Newton 'Abbot, Teignmoutb, Damlish, and Chudleigh.
Mr. Mill then formed the Devon General Omnibus and Touring Co., Ltd., with headquarters at Exeter, with a fleet of A.E.C. double-deck buses, each seatlag 40 passengers. Thee buses were put into operation in July, 1919. It is worth while here to mention that, although the double-deck bus (an illustration of which. we publish herewith) was found to be very popular and well patronized, it was necessary to go to deal of expense. in trimming numerous overhanging trees on the various routes over a distance of more than 50' miles, and for country services the company's new A.E.C. single-deck saloon buses, with drop windows and upholstered seats, are doubtless the best type to employ.
The company did wonderful business with their double-deck vehicles last year, and it is interesting to note that the sers ices were maintained all through the winter months, and on the Dawlish, Teignmouth, Torquay route they are being well patronized this season. . In conjunction with the passenger services, Mr. Mill, the general manager, has worked up a fine connection for " the collection and delivery of parcels •and goods by motor vehicles, the lighter merchandise being carried on special luggage canopies on the omnibuses, whilst heavy loads are delivered by lorry at every town and village on the various re Liles.
An agent has been appointed by the company in each centre, Who handles all goods passed to him off the vehicles and delivers them
to the customers. In a likemanner goods are 'collected from the .agent
the bus or lorry, and delivered to the agent in the town or village to which. the goods are consigned, being delivered the same day.
In connection with the transport department of this ocu-npany, arrangements are about to be made with a large Bristol concern, connected with a wholesale provision merchant's combine, for the delivery of goods by road to almost every town and village within a 25-mile radius of Exeter.
The company had only been operating a few 'Months, when it was found necessary to open up new routes, and also to provide for the big demand for Chars-kbanes. The capital of the company was accordingly increised; and orders plased for A.E.C. chassis to be fitted with single deck saloon bus bodies to seat 35 passengers, and for chars-keloanes with seating accommodation for 28 passengers. In less than 12 months the company have been .successful in trebling their fleet of vehicles and building up useful services between:—
1. Exeter and Torquay via Dawlish, Teignmouth, and Newton Abbot, 2. Exeter and Torquay via Claudle•O. and Newton Abbot.
3. Exeter and 13uckfastleigh via Newton Abbot and Ashbnrton.
3a. Torquay and Ruckfastleigh via Newton Abbot and Ashburton.
4. Torquay and Shaldon via Maidencombe.
5. Exeter, Exmouth, and Budleigh. Salterton via Clyst St. Mary and Wood bury. • In the near future it is intended to open up routes to other_ towns within a 30-mile radius of Exeter. The company's chars-aebancs are of a Very fine type and finish, as will be seea • from one of our illustrations, and are much patronized by the public for daily coast and moorland tours to various beauty spots in Devon. We are informed by Mr. Mill that_his company cater for parties up to 200-in eumbei. In connection with future development of the business, two large main road sites have recently been acquired by this fast growing concern, one in Exeter and the other in Newton Abbot, and it is intended to build in each town showrooms, garages, workshops, and stores which will be amongst the largest and finest in the, West of England.
It should be of interest to our readers to know Borrsething of the manner in which 111r. Mill maintains his fleet and keeps -them in servicesab!e condition. A special book has been drawn up for each vehicle, in which every pait of the chassis has been scheduled for examination, the general heading being at set out below :— A staff of mechanics go thoroughly over each vehicle twice weekly, and make an entry against each item in the special book, and the works foreman signs the
following certificate after the work on the vehicle has been completed and passed :— " Test. Engine runs satisfac-s torily, rear wheels jaekeel up, tried in all gears, transmission 'in order. Brakes and steering *gear tested. Certified satisfac tory. Foreman's Signature."
In addition to this each chassis is oiled, greased, and inspected daily in accordance with the manufacturer's chart. We were much impressed with the systematic way in which the A.E.C. vehicles of the Devon General Omnibus and Touring Co., Ltd., are kept smart and in good trim, and the untiring energy of the general manager and the Staff to extend the activities of this growing concern in all directions is a matter upon which they are to be congratulated. There are six different types of vehicles in use; all the chassis are.-of A.E.C. make. The bus bodies are built by E. and H. Hors, La, and give the highest satisfaction in every sense. In the case of the char-e-bancs bodies. these are built by the local firm of Messrs. A. G. Dowell, Russell Street, Exeter. This work is particularly high class, and forms a replica of the show models exhibited by the A.E.C. at the 'Cardiff and Scottish Shows. As an indication of the class of Work turned out by Messrs. Dowell's it may be mentioned that the Associated Equipment Co., Ltd., are satisfied with it, and are placing a contract with them for similar bodies.
The di-fie:rent types of vehicle are as follow :—
1. Double-deck type bus seating 40 passengers, 16 inSide, 18 on top deck,: 6 under canopy in front with driver (2 beside driver and 4 on seat behind). Large canopy over driver capable of carrying 5 to 6 cwt. of parcels and goods. Upholstered seats, except on upper' deck.
2. Sing,ledeck saloon type i)11FOS with drop windows all round, upholstered seats for 35 passengers. Body equally divided into two compartments, nonsmoking in front and smoking compartment at rear. Dynamo lighting set fitted, and electric bell communication with the driver. Darge luggage canopy on roof to carry 8 cwt.
3. Chars-a-laancs of the Ioteet type as exhibited by the Associated Equipment Co., Ltd., at the Scottish and Cardiff
Shows, fitted with all nickel fittings, rug rails, upholstered in real black leather, Jackson's patent hood fittings. All seats very roomy and with plenty of leg room.
4. Lorry buses similar to those so well known on the London streets. These are in use on country services as a temporary measure only, pending the delivery of more vehicles of the saloon type (as No. 2). These lorry buses are of a most useful type, and are easily convertible into ordinary lorries for goods transport.
5. Ordinary type lorries fitted with W.D. type bodies with canopy to carry loads from 30 cwt. up to 4 tons.
6.. Small box vans for fast work with light loads up to 20 cwt.
All the company's vehicles are painted L.G.O.C. red with white lines, chassis being painted black. and wheels brown, and in gold lettering " Devon General " on the sides. .