NEW DESIGN FOR FLEETLJNE SINGLE-DECKERS
Page 36
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
'rWO municipal bus undertakings have -L placed orders for extended-wheelbase Fleetline chassis to form the basis of new single-decker buses. Leading the movement is Grimsby and Cleethorpes Transport, undoubtedly one of the pioneers of oneman-operated single-decker buses, which has ordered four 18 ft. 6 in.-wheelbase chassis to accommodate 32 ft. 6in. bodies. The aim of purchasing Fleetline single-deckers is to combine the use of low-floor buses for oneman services with standardization between singleand double-decker buses, Grimsby/ Cleethorpes now operating Daimler Fleetline double-deckers.
Tenders for 42-seal, dual-entrance bodies are to be considered by the joint committee; these will feature a single-step entrance and ramped floor, with possibly an additional shallow step somewhere in the floor, to raise the floor line sufficiently to accommodate a rear bench seat mounted above the engine compartment.
Halifax Passenger Transport has also ordered three similar chassis; again the rear seats will be mounted above the engine compartment. The resultant vehicles will, in fact, basically be shortened " Roadliners", with a relatively higher floor line, and a transverse rear power pack incorporating the Gardner 6LX engine—gone will be the ugly " bustle" which has spoilt the appearance of so many rear-engined buses to date.
Other recent orders for Daimler Fleetlines include one from Leeds City Transport for 30 double-deckers and from the Yorkshire Wollen District Transport Co. Ltd. for another II double-deckers. F.R.11•1.