(i) Alteration to seating in 19 3-car Craven sets.
Mr. Stanley reported that the B.T.C. have approved this conversion and estimate forms have been sent to the Accountant before submission to the General Manager.
(ii) Arm rest - Mr.Dow reported that complaints have been received from passengers, particularly in the Manchester area that the width of first class seats in diesel trains is inadequate. Mr. Stanley stated that to provide moveable arm rests in existing stock would involve heavy expenditure and that if the arm rests were abolished it would still be necessary to strengthen the seat frame.
Agreed not appropriate to alter seats in existing stock but matter to be put to Chief Carriage & Wagon Engineering Officer with a view to consideration being given to moveable arm rests being included in first class portions of future designs.
(iii) Non-smoking accomodation in 3-car units - Mr.Gould referred to the differing allocation of non-smoking accomodation in the units built by Cravens, Metro-Cammell, and the Birmingham C.& W. Co., and submitted his proposals for a general standard for future 3-car units and that existing stock be altered, the expenditure to be dealt with through the New Works procedure.
563 RAIL BUSES FOR RURAL AREAS
1. Design - Noted that, following inspection of a railbus built for the Scottish Region, alterations to certain details of design have been suggested to B.T.C. Reply considered and agreed that the provision of bell communication between Driver and Guard is desirable. Matter to be followed up with B.T.C.
2. Proposals for employment of 4 rail buses on L.M.R.
Mr.Nicholls supplied details of costs for the introduction of 4 rail buses on the undermentioned branches and it was noted that this scheme will proceed for the time being operated by 4 rail buses :-
