OPERATIONAL DEMONSTRATION OF DUAL-MODE-BUSES IN THE CITY OF ESSEN

In the city centre of Essen buses have to operate with a lot of hindrances caused by traffic congestions etc. The aim of a research project funded by the German minister of research and technology is to use existing tunnels for streetcars in Essen for dual-mode-buses (Spurbusse). Since 1979 the Essener Verkehrs-AG is working together with the related industry and consulting companies on planning and realisation of this project in different steps. The first phase is a track for guided buses of 1.3 km length (Fulerumer Strasse) where 25 guided buses are in daily operation since September 1980. The second phase is a combined track for guided buses with dual propulsion (electrical on mains and a diesel engine) and streetcars of 900 M length (Wittenbergstrasse). Operation with the guided diesel buses and two dual-mode prototypes will start in 1983. On this surface-level track the conditions of the future tunnel operation are simulated, especially relating the track, the overhead lines, and the combined operation. The third phase will be the combined dual-mode bus/streetcar operation in the existing tunnel (starting probably 1985/86). There are some components of the dual-mode bus system, for which special planning, research, development and testing has to be done in the Essen project:- mechanical guidance for buses; - safety system for combined streetcar/guided bus-operation, - combined public transport way for streetcar and guided bus, - overhead network, - dual propulsion prototype buses, - combined streetcar/guided bus-switch. If this research project succeeds, the mass transit of Essen will have an attractive bus system, which - can operate with diesel engine in the outskirts, - can operate as a trolleybus with very good environmental conditions, - can use separated tracks with automatic guidance equipment, - can use the same tracks with the rail system, even in tunnels, - can provide good transfer conditions with the light-rail system. (Author/TRRL)

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/isbn/0860501124
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Public Transport Planning and Operation. Proceedings of Seminar L held at the PTRC 11th Summer Annual Meeting.
• Corporate Authors:

  PTRC Education and Research Services Limited

  110 Strand
  London WC2,   England 
• Authors:
  • BOEGNER, J
• Conference:
  • Planning & Transport Res & Comp, Sum Ann Mtg, Proc
• Publication Date: 1983

Media Info

• Pagination: p. 197-202

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Buses; Central business districts; Conferences; Diesel engines; Dual mode transportation systems; Electricity; Guided buses; Highway operations; Light rail vehicles; Prototypes; Public transit; Railroad tracks; Technology; Trolley cars; Trolleybuses; Tunnels; Urban areas; Vehicle design; Vehicular tunnels
• Uncontrolled Terms: Guidance
• Geographic Terms: Germany
• Old TRIS Terms: Advanced tram; Bus design; Tunnel traffic operations
• ITRD Terms: 1272: Bus; 8525: Conference; 1314: Diesel engine; 1280: Dual mode vehicle; 6954: Electricity; 8125: Germany; 9104: Guidance; 9109: Prototype; 744: Public transport; 1062: Railway track; 311: Town centre; 1284: Tram; 1273: Trolleybus; 3374: Tunnel; 313: Urban area
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Design; Highways; Planning and Forecasting; Public Transportation; Railroads; Vehicles and Equipment; I72: Traffic and Transport Planning;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00382764
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
• ISBN: 0-86050-112-4
• Report/Paper Numbers: Volume P240
• Files: ITRD, TRIS
• Created Date: Apr 30 1984 12:00AM