Ern launches minibus service
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COMEDIAN Ernie Wise launched thc Weston-superMare minibus service (CM, May 25) last week.
The service, operated by the Bristol Omnibus Company's Badgerline replaces the 18 full-size buses in the town with a high frequency service of 45 16-seat minibuses which operate on eight routes at intervals of up to every five minutes.
It has bought 47 Ford Transits, 31 converted by Dormobile, the rest by another National Bus Company subsidiary, Carlyle Conversions.
Eighty drivers — 12 of them women — have been recruited, with courtesy being high on the list of qualities sought by the company. Another 15 arc still needed to bring the team to its full strength.
Ticketing is being undertaken at present using conventional equipment, but Wayfarer electronic equipment will be used after Christmas.
The displaced full-size buses and their drivers have been transferred to Badgerline's country services. Weston's seasonal peak and natural wastage is expected to absorb any more surplus labour.
This is the most extensive urban minibus service so far for NBC.