Staggering Problem "Intractable"
Page 47
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
I T was remarkable that, after so much reasonable persuasion had been attempted in the matter of staggering working hours, so many men and women were still slaves of the clock, Mr. R. M. Robbins, secretary and chief public relations officer of the London Transport Executive, told the Railway Students' Association in London last week.
The peak-hour problem had proved intractable so far becaitse the public were suspicious of attempts by transport undertakings to influence their habits of travel. There was the clearest case for consultation and collaboration between the undertakings and the public.
In an address on " Consulting the Passenger," he decried the view that transport providers need not bother to . assess public opinion, because it would be. made known in any event if services fell below standard. The public were not essentially given to grumbling, and the views of individual sensible people were worth finding mit.
Discussion by operators with the public enabled mutual problems to be understood and difficulties could be brought to light in good time. Nevertheless it was essential for operators to have the final say. Consultation was of value only when there was a choice of action.
STARTING BY BLOWLAMP
ACRUDE but effective method of starting engines at temperatures of 60° F. below freezing point was described by Mr. J. McHugh, chief engi,neer (vehicles) of Leyland Motors, Ltd., when he gave a talk about North American operation to the company's engineering society last week.
In Canada, he said, an operator would warm the vehicle battery indoors, meanwhile heating the sump with a blowlamp. The battery was then quickly replaced, the engine air intake heated with the blowlamp and the starter actuated. Engine oil was diluted with petrol to give a low-viscosity lubricant.
Mr. McHugh was chief engineer of Leyland Motors (Canada). Ltd., for a number of years.