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Operating costs and their relation to the age of the vehicle have been a subject of controversy for some time. One faction maintains that after a certain indefinite period it is economy to salvage or junk the equipment and replace the vehicles with later uptodate designs. The opposing faction believes that the costs depending on maintenance and operating efficiency can be kept fairly constant. Comparing a motor truck with a locomotive they cite the opinion of railroad officials that when proper running repairs are made locomotives can be maintained continuously in the same service and retain their original earning capacity for many years. When new locomotives are built it is usually for the purpose of replacing types that have become obsolete and the old ones are then relegated to some other branch of the service.

The author enumerates the distinctive features of buses designed for city, for inter-city and for country service and comments upon them, presenting illustrations of these types of bus. Steam and electric motive power are discussed and the chassis components for bus service are considered in some detail. The general types of bus body are treated, together with the influences of climatic conditions and local preferences. Comfort and convenience factors are discussed at some length and the problems of heating, lighting and ventilation are given constructive attention. Fare-collection devices and methods are commented upon, and the State and local legal regulations are referred to in connection with their effect upon bus operation. Illustrations are included and a table showing condensed specifications for city buses is presented.