For the operator, the advantages of an RM a
- light weight
- conductor can deter vandalism

Passenger advantages are
- hop on, hop off
- generally a better view out
- more seats

On weight, low-floor double-deckers weigh as much as 1.5 RMs. Bendies
weigh more than two.

A light wheelchair-accessible bus would be an environmental winner,
reducing fuel and road maintenance costs.

The cost of a conductor could be covered by reduced fuel and
maintenance costs - including reduced vandalism repair on the bus.

Also the presence of a conductor would have some effect in encouraging
fare-paying passengers late at night.

So it's entirely possible that a bus with a conductor could be more
economical to run overall - especially if fuel costs go up a lot.

Colin McKenzie


--
No-one has ever proved that cycle helmets make cycling any safer at
the population level, and anyway cycling is about as safe per mile as
walking.
Make an informed choice - visit www.cyclehelmets.org.