Classes of service already provided by the street-car and the passenger automobile influence the expectations of the motorbus passenger regarding the quality of transportation service afforded by the motorbus. If an operator persuades people to ride in his motorbuses, it will be because they offer safety, economy, convenience and comfort to a greater degree than that offered by competitive transportation media. Since the public has demonstrated that, under favorable conditions, it will patronize the motorbus to an extent that yields a profit to the operators, the future success of this means of transportation lies wholly within the control of the motorbus builders and those who operate it. Of the factors that determine the degree of success attained, motorbus-body design bulks very large.
Discussion of the subject is presented from the viewpoint of the passenger, as the motorbus approaches him, as he enters it and as he judges the quality of transportation it affords. He gathers favorable impressions from the attractive general appearance of a motorbus, its low steps and floors, wide entrance-doors and aisles, ample head-room and knee-room, comfortable seats and effective ventilation, lighting and heating. Therefore, these divisions of the subject are treated with a view to specifying exactly what constitutes good practice for each, illustrations and tabular data being presented.
Greater safety and comfort for the passenger are the factors that will enlarge the scope of motorbus transportation. Such attainment depends upon the economic pressure brought to bear on those who supply materials for motorbus-body construction, and upon the motorbus-body builders who avail themselves of improved materials.