THE TROLLEY COACH POTENTIAL MARKET, CAPITAL AND OPERATING COSTS, IMPACTS AND BARRIERS: TASK 2 REPORT FOR THE ELECTRIC BUS FEASIBILITY STUDY

This Task 2 report contains a summary of the Task 1 report (PB 80-104870) and an examination of the potential market for trolley coach (TC) systems in the United States. TC capital and operating costs are estimated, and the impacts of TC transportation on land use, community aesthetics, and energy consumption are described. In this report, potential barriers to TC expansion are identified and possible UMTA policies are discussed. Some of the conclusions stated in this report are that: improvements in TC technology such as chopper control reduces power consumption 20 percent and provides a smoother ride quality; cost of overhead wire installation is the most significant barrier to new TC systems; there is a definite advantage to TC expansion in terms of long term flexibility of energy source use, and long term reliability of energy supply; and UMTA should maintain a basically neutral position on TC expansion--initiative for such expansion should originate at the local level. In the Task 1 report, the TC development and state-of-the-art are described in terms of the vehicles and facilities in use in the United States, Canada, and Europe. Specific electric propulsion systems, auxilliary mechanical components and vehicle bodies are pictured in the Task 1 report and operating characteristics and dimensions are stated. Power distribution equipment made by major manufacturers in the U.S. and Europe is described in detail, including several types of overhead wire support systems. Associated power supply equipment and characteristics are also covered.

• Corporate Authors:

  Chase Rosen and Wallace, Incorporated

  901 North Washington Street
  Alexandria, VA  United States  22314

  Urban Mass Transportation Administration

  400 7th Street, SW
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Wilkins, J D
  • Schwartz, A
  • Parkison, T E
• Publication Date: 1980-6

Media Info

• Pagination: 87 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Aesthetics; Capital costs; Catenary wires; Energy consumption; Feasibility analysis; Land use; Markets; Operating costs; Policy; Trolleybuses
• Identifier Terms: U.S. Urban Mass Transportation Administration
• Subject Areas: Energy; Policy; Public Transportation; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00371583
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: UMTA-IT-06-0193-79-2Final Rpt.
• Contract Numbers: DOT-UT-80037
• Files: TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: Apr 29 1983 12:00AM