INAUGURATION OF DOUBLE-DECK BUS ON APRIL 31, 1940

NEW TRANSPORTATION SERVICE TO COVER BAY SECTION OF CITY

A new chapter in the history of transportation in the Philippines will be written tomorrow when the Manila Motor Coach, Inc., inaugurates its double-deck bus service on Dewey Boulevard and neighboring streets. While the bus is designed primarily for sight-seeing purposes, it will engage in general passenger service.

A number of city and public service commission officials have been invited to attend the inauguration tomorrow, Sunday, Sept. 1, at 11 o'clock in the morning.

The idea of providing Manila residents with a modern and up-to-date two-deck bus was the result of a study made by Sebastian Palanca, local businessman and sportsman, who is the head of the company, of the transportation problem in Manila as compared with the facilities found in modern cities in the different parts of the world. It is hoped to augment the service with another bus within 45 days.

The Matorco double deck coach is an all-steel vehicle, designed within specifications compatible with Philippine conditions. Patterned basically after the most advanced types of double deck buses in America, the Matorco bus was built within the standard requirements of the Public Service Commission.

A dual compartment, the upper deck has a seating capacity for 27, while the lower deck can accommodate 30.

In keeping with the salient feature of public utility service, which is courtesy, Mr. Palanca has trained several good looking girls for conductor service. In this respect he has required their whole-hearted cooperation in keeping the service of the line always above criticism. Three of these spic and span conductorettes will be on duty day in and day out. Service and courtesy will be the motto of these girls. They wear a blue and gray uniform.

The bus rises to an imposing height, commanding a full view of Manila Bay and neighboring panoramas. While the bus strolls along the Bay, passengers can seat leisurely and comfortably on the all completely upholstered deck seats.

The Matorco double deck bus was born out of a desire of Mr. Palanca to give Manila what it really needs. The idea came to him during one of his travels abroad. While he was on Broadway, New York City, he noticed the number of double-deck buses in service. In an instant, it occurred to him that it was just what Manila needed most.

The Matorco line will be augmented with another bus within forty five days and will run along the entire Dewey Boulevard. The bus, an open deck affair, will provide the finest conveniences for passenger, especially students.

Itinerary of the Matorco double deck bus is as follows: starting time from Chicago and 13th Streets is 6:00 a. m. while from Ortigas St. and Dewey Boulevard intersections, is 6:30 a. m. then up to 11:30 p. tn. daily. North Bound trips follow from Chicago and 13th Streets, the bus goes to 25th St., Dewey Boulevard, Katigbak Drive, New Luneta, South Boulevard then to Ortigas and Dewey Boulevard.

South Bound trips follow from Ortigas Street and Dewey Boulevard, then to South Boulevard, New Luneta, Katigbak Drive, Malecon Drive, 2nd Street, Tacoma Street, San Francisco St., 11th Street then back to terminal, Chicago and 13th Streets.

-The Tribune, Provided by Gorio Belen