A TRANSIT OPERATOR VIEWS TRANSBUS

An overview of the Transbus history is presented as well as the implications of the transbus decision for transit operators and the transit industry. The rigid design and performance standards for Transbus, as specified by the Department of Transportation, conflicted with other goals equally important in the design and operation of transit vehicles. The most controversial feature of the Transbus is its 22-inch floor height which cannot be achieved without incuring higher capital and operating costs. The following points highlight the major drawbacks of the Transbus. Reduced operating capability can be expected as a result of lower bus floors which not only lowers the underbody clearance but creates severe operating problems. The new components of the Transbus will ultimately drive up the purchase price for the new vehicle. The added weight, the increased number and complexity of mechanical components, and the smaller tires will result in overall higher operating costs. A lower floor design significantly reduces the possible number of seats in the bus. While the Transbus does represent an improvement in transit service accessibility it does so at an exceptionally high cost. It is noted that UMTA has spent over $27 million in developing and testing an accessible bus, a bus that will create more operating problems than it will ever solve. Future UMTA research and development efforts should focus on devising service solutions to transit problems, not more hardware solutions which are really not solutions at all. Finally, it is noted that the key to increased transit riding is improved service, not merely new vehicles.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/6243094
• Supplemental Notes:
  • This report was presented at the 5th International Conference on Automotive Safety, July 11, 1977.
• Corporate Authors:

  Motor Bus Society

  767 Valley Road
  Upper Montclair, NJ  United States  07043
• Authors:
  • Whitten, C
• Publication Date: 1977-9

Media Info

• Features: Photos;
• Pagination: p. 9-16
• Serial:
  • MOTOR COACH AGE
  • Volume: 29
  • Issue Number: 9

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Accessibility; Buses; Costs; Design standards; Development; Industries; Operators (Persons); Performance; Research; Ridership; Seats; Specifications; Tires; Weight
• Uncontrolled Terms: Operator; Research and development
• Old TRIS Terms: Transbus
• Subject Areas: Finance; Highways; Planning and Forecasting; Public Transportation; Research; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00167871
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Apr 26 1981 12:00AM