Motor Road Transport For Commercial Purposes
(Liquid Fuel, Steam, Electricity)

PASSENGER CARRYING—TYPES OF VEHICLES 117 Essential Points. The size and power of the vehicle should be relative to the number of passengers whicli it is estimated are, as a rule, to be carried. An adequate degree of comfort should be provided. especially now that road surface is not so good as it was in pre-war days. Provision should be made, if possible, without detracting materially from the seating accommoda- tion, for light luggage; or in the case of a locality being chosen which. is dependent on fine-weather visitors, a double purpose body in whicli the seats are removable may well repay any extra initial cost. In this way during the winter months a combined passenger and goods service, or one for goods only, may be maintained. A trial run and common sense will prove the best guides in connection with such chassis requirements as engine and brake powers, suitable gearing, etc. Roughly speaking, it may be stated that the heavier the load to be carried and the more hilly the district, the lower should be the gearing of the chassis. For work in traffic it is imperative for economic reasons that the engine should be capable of flexibility and slow and even running under load, also that the transmission should be smooth in the uptake. The question of pneumatic tyres for commercial motor vehicles is especially important with regard to those of the passenger carrying type, and is dealt with under “ Tyres ” in Chapter XXI. As to the cost of the service, much will depend on how the vehicle or vehicles are handled and looked after. It is sufficient to say that this point must in no wise be overlooked, for many a service has been converted from a failure to a success simply by the adoption of good inspection and overhaul organiza- tion, and by the employment of drivers who had