THE FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF THE STANDARD INTERURBAN MOTORBUS

After successful development of standardized urban and interurban bus designs between 1968 and 1971, West Germany in the early 1980s again began to look for a new generation of standard vehicles. The 30,000 first-generation vehicles had indicated the need for some changes including increased height at entrances and inside, more extensive information for passengers inside and outside, revised heating and ventilation, a more streamlined body, changes aimed at making more attractive interiors and exteriors, and improvements in design and manufacture aimed at increased service life. Under sponsorship of the Federal Ministry for Research and Technology, german bus builders cooperated in producing and testing new standard urban buses (Model S80) and then undertook the design of a new intercity model (U80). Prototype U80 buses were introduced in 1982. Road tests were to be accompanied by surveys of passengers and drivers. The buses were found to perform well. Lower floors permit rationalization of the entrance design. Increased seat spacing enhanced comfort while a greater interior height improved conditions for standees. Air conditioning has also been upgraded. One goal is integration of the urban and interurban designs so economical combined production can be achieved.

• Authors:
  • Christ, E
• Publication Date: 1984

Media Info

• Pagination: p. 227-229
• Serial:
  • UITP REVUE
  • Volume: 33
  • Issue Number: 3

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Buses; Differential thermal analysis; Federal government; Low floor vehicles; Standardization; Technology; Vehicle design
• Geographic Terms: Germany
• Old TRIS Terms: Bus design
• Subject Areas: Design; Highways; Public Transportation; Vehicles and Equipment; I91: Vehicle Design and Safety;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00393524
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Apr 29 1985 12:00AM