3-086-457 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Motors in London: De Dion twelve-seated omnibus, 1898. 'We are promised an immediate revolution in our public conveyances. There are to be steam-omnibuses, motor-omnibuses, and "petrol"-cabs. As regards the first, we learn that the steam is created by a slow-combustion stove, which consumes only a very small quantity of coke or petroleum. These omnibuses are of 20-horse power, to be increased presently to 30-horse power. One [steam-omnibus] will, it is asserted, carry twenty-eight passengers, and, where necessary, is capable of being fastened to another omnibus of equal capacity. The cost per passenger is stated to amount to one fifth of a farthing per mile; speed from eight to ten miles an hour, to be increased to fifteen miles an hour...Omnibus service is becoming the most favourite means of conveyance with the public...Steam is an old friend, and thoroughly understood on steam-tramcars and railroads. There is not, therefore, the slightest reason why the very profitable employment of steam-omnibus service should not immediately take place in the suburban roads round London for connecting our beautiful suburbs with the great City. Lines of steam- omnibuses will be the railways of the future'. From "Illustrated London News", 1898.