A Luxury Articulated Bus
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ACURIOUS coincidence is that the preceding eading article was written before an invitation was received to inspect and travel on what is claimed to be the longest coach or bus in the world. This is a Germanbuilt articulated vehicle powered by a Rolls-Royce 275 h.p. oil engine. It is to be operated by Continental Trailways of the U.S.A., one of the biggest two bus systems in the States.
This vehicle has been on exhibition in Brussels and, on its way to Texas, is travelling through England and Scotland. During its seven-day goodwill mission, which it is hoped will encourage visitors to the U.S.A. by giving them a foretaste of American long-distance road travel, it is taking parties of local journalists, travel agents and transport experts for demonstration runs, which there is little doubt are being appreciated.
Amongst the amenities are two hostesses in smart Trailways uniforms, whilst a cocktail bar, installed amidships, provides iced drinks, coffee and other light refreshments to the accompaniment of music. This de luxe vehicle is known as the "Super Golden Eagle." • It is to be hoped that the comfort and obvious safety of this passenger " artic." will encourage the Minister of Transport to have the present regulations revised so that vehicles of this type can be operated normally as public passenger vehicles on British roads. This occasion is, of course, not the first time that an articulated passenger vehicle has been seen in this country. Actually, one or two were built many years ago in the anticipation that our archaic legislation covering this form of vehicle would be amended within a reasonable period of time.
All this was, however, of little or no avail. On the other hand, the success of the goods models in this field soon became assured. With the knowledge gained with these in respect of better braking, better design which practically obviates jack-knifing and the fact that British Road Services are largely concentrating on them for many of their goods services, any doubts as to their safety for passenger work should have been removed. Opinions as to their suitability will be awaited with interest.