Longer and . Faster Buses Wanted
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APPEALS• to the Government for an increase in the maximum permitted length of public service vehicles, and an increase in the speed limits governing them, were made by Mr. R. J. Ellery, chairman of the Trent Motor Traction Co., Ltd., at the annual general meeting of the company last week.
Referring to economies effected by his own company in the past year, Mr. Ellery quoted a further extension of mileage between vehicle overhauls, the installation of additional vehicle-washing plant, and the use of more night safes and coincounting machines.
He said there had also been a further pruning of service mileage — but no service had been withdrawn completely.
Alluding to the onerous claims by trade unions for further increases in pay and improvements in conditions, Mr. Ellery said that their cost, if conceded entirely by his company, would be more than 1250,000—an addition of almost 30 per cent, to the wages bill.
A reduction in fleet strength had been achieved by the introduction of 22 Leyland Atlantean double-deck buses and the withdrawal of a number of singledeck buses. A further 34 Atlanteans would be delivered this year.
BRITISH ENGINES FOR AMERICAN LORRIES
ACONTRACT has been placed with Leyland Motors, Ltd., for the supply of 375 0.600 and 375 0.680 oil engines which will be installed in American sixwheeled goods chassis currently operating in the Middle East. The vehicles to be converted have petrol engines at present, and the scheme is likely to cost about 1800,000.
The vehicles have payload ratings of up to 20 tons, and the power units are to be modified before dispatch from the Leyland factory. Modifications will affect the cooling-system connections, manifolds and flywhedis, and the rearbanjo mounting members.
A similar conversion programme has been carried out in South Africa, and it is reported that top speeds and fuelconsumption rates have improved.