The Public Service Coordinated Transport yesterday put into service its new dual-powered trackless trolleys, whichh supplant trolle'y cars. Shown above are customers about to board one of the conveyances at the Federal Street ferry. The line operates betwteen Camden and Clementon.

TRACKLESS TROLLEY SERVICE IS STARTED
Fire Breaks Out in New Vehicle on Its First Run

Camden's antiquated trolley cars were replaced yesterday by new trackless trolleys. The event was marked by fire which damaged one of the new vehicles on its first run.

The glittering electric-gasoline motor conveyance blazed briefly at Haddon and Newton Avenues. It was operated on the Camden-Clementon line, and carried three passengers.

 Alfred Titus Sr., of 1802 Fillmore Street, driver of the dual-powered trolley, told Fire Chief Charles Erickson that a short circuit in the battery box caused insulation to burn. Smoke poured through cracks in the floor.

The three passengers were transferred to other buses and a traffic jam of curious motorists ensued.

 The fire did little damage. The new vehicle proceeded under gaso­line engine power to its barn,

The Camden-Clementon route is the last trolley line operating here.

The new vehicle of the gas-electric type are being operated from Federal Street ferry plaza on a 15-minute headway during the "peak" hours and even 30 minutes at other times.

Twelve of the new all-service vehicles will be used here, according to Public Service officials. The vehicles may be operated from overhead wires like a trolley car or under engine power the same way as any other bus. The new form of transportation is reported to have all the advantages of a trolley car and the quick pick-up, curb loading, "silent" operation and maneuverability of a motor bus.

The gasoline engine and electric generator are mounted in a trans­verse position in the rear of the vehicle, distributing the weight on the six rubber-tired wheels, four of which are in the rear, The bus seats thirty-six passengers and has a side exit door, Safety glass has been used throughout and the interior is equipped with airplane type seats.

When the vehicles leave the over­head wires to operate as a regular gas-electric bus, the operator starts the gasoline engine and pushes an electric button automatically with­drawing the trolley pole from the wires.

The vehicles require two overhead wires, one positive and one negative.