BUS REGULATIONS

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 18 May 1928, Page 5

BUS REGULATIONS

i NEW PROVISIONS. SAFETY AND SEATING. I PAS.SENO ERS’ ACCOMMODATION. .BY TELEGRAPH—SPECIAL TO "THE STAR.”) WELLINGTON, May 17. Four pages of regulations relating to the design, construction ami condition of motor omnibuses licensed in tlhe Dominion are published in the Gazette, and operate from June 1. Tho conditions of licensing, which apply' to ’buses licensed before August 1, 1627, are not, so stringent -an those which will have (o he observed for vehicles- lkimsed after (hat date. The existing (‘licensed buses will be required to provide two means of eg rests at least seven feet apart, one preferably at the end of the vehicle, and this must be kept clear of obstruction unci fastenings and tested weekly. For fclt3 driver’s protection, no passengers stall sit nearer than three feet to the steering wheel, rim or brake gear, unless -separated from the driver by a permanent and thin partition. The driver's seat must be arranged so as to enable him to readily give the neoessnry traffic signals, and there must be a mirror ..giving a view cf the interior of the omnibus in addition to the traffic on the right and rear of ’bus. . The supply of liquid fuel is limited to 45 gallons, containers for which are specified in detail. Every ’bus must have ab least two indopehdent brakes, which must not operate on the same brake drum. Another provision is that is an omnibus owner is restricted by his license to any route, he shall nett carry passengers over any route different in part or wholly from th.au specified without the written, permission of the mspeqtor. No substantial alteration is to be made in the design of the ’busets without official, approval. Two fire extinguishers must b? provided, also means of signalling to the drivers, available to every four passengers from each seat. Destination signs -are to be illuminated at night and reasonable provision must be made for passengers’ luggage and parcels. The equipment must include at least two jacks. * Unless the Minister or Public Works gives written permission-, the load of an omnibus must not exceed four-thircte oi tin? number of passengers for whom seats are- provided, or the maximum recommended by the inspector, whichever is the lesser. / Part two of the regulations prescribes the conditions of licensing the mew ’buses. These follow the regulations already indicated, excapt that the dimensions of the doors and -seats are indicated, the -seating accommodation, for instance, being at least 16 miles pei passenger. Passage ways of a mini mum of 15 inches are to be requited. Specifications are- given of the bodj work, ventilation, interior lightingsteps and miscellaneous fittings.