AIR QUALITY IN INTERCITY COACHES

Air quality is an important consideration for intercity coach operators in terms of passenger comfort, and it has a significant effect on customer satisfaction. The objective of this research is to study the critical problems relating to air distribution and air cleanliness in conventional Canadian coaches and to objectively and quantitatively assess the existing comfort levels of passengers. The interior aerodynamics of conventional coaches were accurately characterized by measuring: distribution of outdoor air and recycled air; ambient flow velocities and ventilation system volume flow rates; air-flow patterns in the passenger compartment, including an investigation of the effects of passenger occupancy, highway speeds and the driver's air conditioning system and window; temperature distibutions in the coach during heating and cooling; particle residence times for pollutants located at various positions in the coach; and air concentrations of cigarette smoke near the source, in the supply air, and in the exhaust air. Several indicators of air quality were monitored during normal intercity operation on non-smoking and smoking runs. Selected indicators of air quality comprised respirable particulate, carbon dioxide, temperature and relative humidity. Key results include: maximum outdoor air component was 8 to 9% of supply air (4 to 5 cfm/person); ambient air velocities ranged from 20 to 110 fpm; air supply and return configurations which cause ambient air to flow through several rows of seats, left to right side supply air imbalance from 17% to 37%; effect of one cigarette anywhere in the coach was noticeable at the exhaust in under two minutes; existing filters are unable to capture cigarette smoke; carbon dioxide concentrations exceeded 1700 ppm with full passenger loads. Suggested alternatives to improve air quality include: double or triple outdoor air portion; improve filtration; eliminate smoking.

• Corporate Authors:

  Delcan Corporation

  133 Wynford Drive
  Toronto, Ontario M3C 1K1,   Canada 

  Transportation Development Centre

  Complexe Guy Favreau, 200 Dorchester Blvd West, Suite 601
  Montreal, Quebec H2Z 1X4,   Canada 
• Authors:
  • De Gagne, P
  • Sloot, E
  • Eaman, M
• Publication Date: 1990-6

Media Info

• Features: Appendices; Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 218 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Aerodynamics; Air conditioning systems; Air quality; Bus transportation; Buses; Carbon dioxide; Filtration; Humidity; Intercity bus lines; Motor vehicles; Particulates; Passenger comfort; Smoking; Speed; Temperature; Tobacco smoke; Traffic speed; Ventilation systems
• Uncontrolled Terms: Interior; Temperature distribution
• Old TRIS Terms: Windows
• Subject Areas: Highways; Motor Carriers; Public Transportation; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00605757
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: TP 10521E (TDC)
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Mar 31 1991 12:00AM