MODERN BUS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26849, 13 August 1948, Page 4

MODERN BUS

ADDITION TO FLEET BUILT IN DUNEDIN WORKSHOPS Regarded with particular pride by the staff of the Dunedin Transport Department workshops, the most modern and fastest bus yet to enter the Corporation’s service made its “ maiden voyage” last night. The new Diesel bus is able to seat 33 passengers, and is powered by the biggest engine available for such a class of vehicle. Borne out by its trial runs, the new addition to the Corporation’s fleet should be able to maintain a greater schedule speed on Dunedin’s formidable hills. Whereas at present the other members of the fleet crawl laboriously up gradients such as Rattray street and Littlebourne road, the new bus can often cover the distance in second gear and, consequently, in much quicker time.

Yesterday afternoon, Crs E. J. Anderson (chairman) and T; K. S. Sidey, of the Transport Committee, accompaflied the engineer-manager, Mr L. C. Greig, and members of the transport staff, on a demonstration run before the bus began regular service. On the occasions when halts were made at recognised stopping places, prospective passengers looked frustrated as they were told the . bus was a “ special.” The manager explained that a new type of chassis was used in the vehicle. The horsepower was 125, compared with 98 in earlier models. A feature was the ease with which the driver could change gears. The whole body was made in the Transport Department workshops and the department was especially proud of the result achieved, Mr Greig said. Mr E. Read was in charge of the design and construction, with the assistance of Messrs J. McCreadie and R. Lymburn. More window space was provided, giving better visibility for both driver and passengers. By adopting a different design for the seats, passengers would have more room. The seats were made of attractive red leather, with chromium frames. Another feature was a vacuum-operated door at the front of the bus as well as the rear.

The number of the new bus is 41. The driver of the vehicle on its trial run yesterday afternoon said that the performance was outstanding. Carrying 12 passengers, the new bus easilyoverhauled an older' comrade roaring grimly up Fifield street and made the return trip down Rattray street in smart time.