LONGEST COACHES IN N.Z.

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31225, 24 November 1966, Page 15

LONGEST COACHES IN N.Z.

“These are the longest coaches in New Zealand,” said the operations manager of Midland Motorways Services, Ltd. (Mr R. C. Wasley), referring to two 37ft lin-long British Leyland Panthers which will be introduced on the Christchurch • Dunedin Starliner service at the end of next week.

Special features for passenger comfort had also been incorporated for the first time in this country, he said. In the passenger compartment, containing 32 fullyadjustable seats, the temperature is automatically controlled by a thermostat which is set according to the weather. Windows are therefore sealed, eliminating draughts, but there is a forced-draught ventilation system with jet vents, similar to those in aircraft, above each seat.

The diesel engine, which develops 175 h.p., and has a semi-automatic electric-pneu-matic gearbox, is at the rear.

Noise is consequently re-1 duced. Another feature of the coaches is full air suspension —they ride on about 701 b of air pressure. This, said Mr Wasley, provided more cushioned travelling, and also ensured a constant height with any load and greater stability on corners.

Every passenger has a fluorescent light and reading lamp. The coach is also equipped with a radio-telephone system which enables the driver to order a taxi before a passenger’s arrival at Christchurch, Timaru, Oamatu and Dunedin. The coaches cost more than £15,000 each, Mr Wasley said. Bodywork was done by the company. Travel agents went for a trip in one of the new Starliners yesterday, and both will start from Dunedin and Christchurch on the evening of Friday next week. Two of the present fleet of three Starliners will be retained on the service for peak periods.