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What the operators think
Page 46
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BECAUSE of the potentially explosive effect of the GRSA proposals on British bus operation CM asked two of the country's leading bus operators to comment on our exclusive article. For obvious reasons, both chose to remain anonymous. What follows is a synopsis of their comments: With any committee like GRSA there is always a tendency to forget or ignore the problems of the operator and for technicalities to take-over from practicalities. Because of this tendency it should be appreciated that GRSA proposals will not end with the current draft.
It is unfortunate that the attitude of some operators has led to the implementation of legislation to ensure passenger comfort. It is a misnomer to call some coaches luxurious when they cram in so many seats that there is no space left for legs.
Staff problems may follow the move back to vehicles with several doors. Operators have found single-door models both efficient and safe. So far as step heights are concerned, many operators in the UK have been forced by public opinion to have lower levels than those imposed by GRSA. The next generation of buses will be even better and it would appear that the elderly and infirm are more tolerant — not to say nimble -across the Channel.
No-one seems to have appreciated the need for standardization of items like seat pitch between singleand double-deckers. As the DoE may well wish to bring double-deckers within the scope of any type testing scheme this is an important point.