New Britain herald., 1925-09-05
A COMPARISON OF BUS AND RAIL TRAVEL


 compare with railroad travel? The question Is frequently asked yet un- less the answer Is based upon ex- perience, 1t is likely to be based upon prejudice,
 Recently the writer rode from New Britain to Springfield by bus, largely 10 try out the comparatively newfangled mode of travel. A com- parison with the railroad was easy to make because a few days previ- ously the same trip was made by train. Weather conditions on both trips were similar.
 The bus ride from New Britain to Hartford was taken in a Connecti- cut company bus which is not de luxe affair, but similar to those used to supplement the street car service in cities. It was chiefly distinguish ed by numerous stops in the out skirts of both New Britain and Hartford. indicating an appreciated service was being given to residents in those outlying sections. When the bus left the Center 1t was nearly empty; by the time it reached Hart ford it was full.
 The bus line between Hartford and Springfield was an entirely dif- ferent proposition. In the first place, the start was made from we'll appointed bus terminal. And here 1t might be interlned that If the Common Council wishes to learn how waiting station" should be constructed near the Center a com mittee could do no better than to go to Hartford and examine the bus terminals there. They are far in advance of anything the Connec- ticut company has attempted, or Is likely to attempt unless forced to do so by public opinion or Common Councils. The bus companies, by the way, have similar waiting sta- tions in Springfield likewise In Boston. They seem 10 be more pro- gressive and responsive to public needs than the interurban trolley companies in those cities, who ex- pect to use public property for such purposes.
 The bus lines from Hartford to Springfield operate upon a half hour schedule, with alternate trips upon each side of the Connecticut river. The trip proved hit slower than the railroad journey, but the rail- road does not give as good service, either between the terminals or the intermediate thriving cities and towns.
 The first thing that impressed the rider was the cleanliness of the trip. Instead of cndcrs, smoke and dust pouring into the open windows, there was not even dust. The coun- try traversed vas far more attrac- tive than that seen from the train, and even travellers who had tra- versed the route between the two cities many times seemed interested in observing the countryside, just like they do when automobile riding fin their own cars.
 The large windows of the de luxe busses enhance this phase Of riding in them. and there IS no doubt that the public likes the change,
 It is possible 10 read a newspaper in a train; it IS not always possible for most persons at least, 10 read a newspaper in q bus. During the trip to Springfield nobody was seen attempting 10 read; but the pas sengers seemed 10 take mnch inter- est in the country and towns tra- yersed.
 The riding was easy. and part of the time upon a crowded highway The speed of the bus was exactly that of the line of automobiles in which 1t usually found itself; 1t i' doubtful if the speed ever exceeded Ss miles an hour. The driver, be- ing a professional at the wheel, ap- parently proved himself more pro- fcient than the vast majority o' amateur automobile drivers mel along the road. Tho bus seemed always to he under complete eontro and no chances at cutting in or out of line were taken during the trip
 Arriving at the bus terminal fl Springfield, 1t was not regarded nee.