URBAN TRANSPORT

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 2 April 1930, Page 2

URBAN TRANSPORT

RURAL METHODS The three methods of passenger transport in large towns—electric tramways, motor omnibuses and trackless electric vehicles—-were reviewed by Mr R. H. Wilkinsoii in a paper read before the Institute of Transport in London. He expressed the opinion that no statement of the relative advantages and disadvantages of the three methods can be universally true. In some large towns, for instance, trams carrying 70 passengers are considered to be the most suitable means of dealing with heavy traffic, but in most places such large vehicles are not favoured, and as other types now occupy approximately the same road space per scat this particular advantago of the tram is vanishing. In congested areas, however', the tram possesses the advantage, which it shares with the railless vehicle, of a higher average speed, as well as being safe in operation, comfortable and easy to control. On the other hand, it is noisy and imposes on passengers the necessity of alighting and boarding in the middle of the road, while the initial cost of track and equipment is high. The omnibus lias the advantages that ifc is flexible and self-con-tained, though it is more particularly useful cm long-journeys. Its disadvantages are low accleration, noisiness, the emission of noxious fumes, short life, high operating costs, complication and fire risk. The trolley vehicle has, in Mr Wilkinson's opinion, all the advantages of both the tram and the motor omnibus, while in addition it is flexible, has a higher average speed and receipts and is silent and cheap. It is not, however, so fast as the omnibus on the open road, it cannot overtake another trolley vehicle and its use necessitates the installation of overhead equipment. Both thi tramcar and the trolley vehicle have the advantages that they are not dependent on foreign sources for their fuel. Mr Wilkinson's conclusion was that tlio modern trolley vehicle with its pneumatic tyres is the most serious rival of the tram for all kinds of town traffic.