BusTalk

Q65A

Sad commentary on the violence plaguing contemporary society...

http://www.masstransitmag.com/news/11116851/nyc-bus-drivers-plead-for-protection-from-assaults?utm_source=MASS+NewsViews+Newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MASS130810002

Mr. Linsky · Posted: Sat Aug 17, 2013 2:06 pm Post subject:

Bob,

I think it's time to plagiarize a page from the history of our business!

All double decked Fifth Avenue Coaches from a time before they moved the stairway inside to become a one man operation on the closed top Z's in 1930 had a completely separate driver compartment with its own access door.

This could easily be accomplished again today because of the manner in which revenue is collected and the fact that drivers really never have to have direct contact with passengers - and if they should need to answer a question it can be done by the use of electronic communication through a heavy glass partition.

I'm afraid that that may be the direction in which we may be heading!

Regards,

Mr. 'L'

Q65A · Posted: Sat Aug 17, 2013 6:59 pm Post subject:

When I was in London in 2008, I rode double-deck Volvo buses on routes 9 and 10; these units were equipped with operator's compartments with full plexiglas shields.

Tiny Tim · Posted: Sun Aug 18, 2013 8:31 am Post subject:

In the early 80's JBL tested out one that a driver designed. It made the drivers area into a small room. A couple of guys I know had a chance to use that bus for a shift and felt that it felt like a small closet.

Hankg42 · Posted: Mon Aug 19, 2013 11:14 am Post subject:

If it can be done for NYC taxi cabs, it certainly can (and should) be done for buses.

frankie · Posted: Tue Aug 20, 2013 12:46 am Post subject:

Mr. Linsky · Posted: Tue Aug 20, 2013 1:52 am Post subject:

Here's retired Fifth Avenue Coach #1220 when it was on display at the Southampton Automotive Museum back in the late fifties.

Note that all passengers, whether for the lower or upper level, entered from the rear and, while there was no front passenger door, there was a driver's entry at the wheel.

Had crime have been rampant in those days, it would have been very easy to have stretched a petition across the body just behind the driver.

I see nothing that would prevent the installation of a 'driver's booth' encased in heavy glass or other transparent material with the same driver access seen on #1220.

In this scenario, you would still have a front door and revenue collection equipment along with an electronic means to talk to the driver if necessary.

Photo from the Bob Wasche Collection

Regards,

Mr. 'L'