Abstract
THE use of the electric trolley omnibus is rapidly increasing. Not only has it replaced electric tramways operating on unremunerative routes, but it has also sometimes replaced petrol buses. It will have to be taken into consideration when new transport schemes arise. In the Metropolitan-Vickers Gazette for November, the application of this method to town and inter-urban transport, is discussed. It is stated that at the present time there are 24 installations of this kind in Great Britain, operating over 250 route miles of track. Its operating flexibility lies between that of a tramcar which is confined to its rails and a petrol bus which has complete freedom of movement. The acceleration of a trolley bus is twice that of a motor bus and it has no gear changing jars. Its schedule speed is high, although it does not exceed the maximum speed laid down by the Ministry of Transport. Compared with a tram-car it has the great advantage of being able to draw up to the kerb. This is a great convenience to passengers, and avoids obstructing the traffic. The absence of reciprocating and wearing parts in the electrical equipment results in a low maintenance cost, and very little time is spent in the repair shops. Its life is fifty per cent longer than that of the petrol bus. The most doubtful feature seems to be the cost and upkeep of the overhead equipment. If this cost is very high the motor bus may be the more economical. From the driver's point of view, the light foot-operated controller takes the place of the motor bus accelerator pedal. The absence of gears leaves the driver's hands entirely free for steering. The driving of a trolley bus therefore requires much less skill than driving a motor bus. With this system also, Great Britain is using its national fuel resources and not imported fuel.
Article PDF
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Popularity of the Electric Trolley Omnibus. Nature 132, 851 (1933). https://doi.org/10.1038/132851a0
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/132851a0