Half cabs and modern ticketing.

[delt1c]

In the 60’s and 70’s it was confirmed that front engined half cabs were cheaper to operate mechanically than rear engined models but were unsuitable for OPO. Now with pre paid fares could we imagine for the return of front engined half cabs which provide drivers with security? Many European operators have the drivers cab isolated from passengers and on board automatic key verification on board.

 

[GusB]

In the 60’s and 70’s it was confirmed that front engined half cabs were cheaper to operate mechanically than rear engined models but were unsuitable for OPO. Now with pre paid fares could we imagine for the return of front engined half cabs which provide drivers with security? Many European operators have the drivers cab isolated from passengers and on board automatic key verification on board.

Is there any point? With the switch to electric vehicles, you'd just end up with wasted space next to the cab. It would be easier to fully enclose the cab and retain the extreme front entrance, which is more or less what happened with the addition of anti-assault screens anyway.

 

[PeterC]

I have certainly travelled in a half cab adapted for OPO but it must have been uncomfortable for the driver to twist round to issue tickets.

 

[delt1c]

I have certainly travelled in a half cab adapted for OPO but it must have been uncomfortable for the driver to twist round to issue tickets.

But in the present environment driver doesn’t have to get involved with ticketing as shown on continental buses this can be remote verification

 

[Bletchleyite]

In the 60’s and 70’s it was confirmed that front engined half cabs were cheaper to operate mechanically than rear engined models but were unsuitable for OPO. Now with pre paid fares could we imagine for the return of front engined half cabs which provide drivers with security? Many European operators have the drivers cab isolated from passengers and on board automatic key verification on board.

I suppose you could do a front wheel drive bus, allowing the whole rear section to be low floor throughout with independent rear wheels more like a car. However, electric (and the likes of hub motors) will overtake this too quickly for it to be worth bothering about.

 

[Surreyman]

I'm no engineer but surely the weight of the engine on the (single-tyred) front axle would be undesirable, the problems of the 60's/70's were mainly down to cooling issues and the driver being unable to judge engine sounds/revs, all of which are no longer relevant.