COSTING OUT A MINIBUS SERVICE

Details are given of an experiment undertaken to evaluate the use of a Carlyle transit 16-seater minibus on a hypothetical route in Epsom, Surrey. The advantage of minibuses are outlined and a detailed description given of the Carlyle transit which is basically a parcel van modified and strengthened to the specification of the National Bus Company the proposed minibus route is described and links housing estates with shops, sports centre, library, churches, pubs etc only some of which are already served by bus routes. It is estimated that, by using 4 vehicles, a 10 minute frequency service could be provided and that using 2 drivers per vehicle between 0700 and 2300 hours a local factor of approx 50% would be required to break even with a 30p flat fare. It is suggested that the operation of minibuses could prove very popular and they could complement the big bus and taxi. (TRRL)