High-Floor Buses Worth Another Look

Low-floor transit buses have become ubiquitous in the U.S. for the sake of faster boarding and alighting as well as elimination of the traditional wheelchair lift, which had become a major source of maintenance problems. But the authors of this article suggest that standard–floor designs deserve another look. Some of the disadvantages of low-floor buses are discussed, such as poor visibility for passengers and the discomfort of low seating positions. Further disadvantages include reduced useable fuel capacity, higher life-cycle costs, less passenger capacity, and additional dwell time required for wheelchair lift deployment. The authors conclude by recommending that transit agencies should perform more detailed needs-based assessments prior to deciding which type of bus to purchase.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/32522860
• Authors:
  • Melaniphy, Michael
  • Henke, Cliff
• Publication Date: 2008-8

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Photos;
• Pagination: pp 56, 58, 60
• Serial:
  • Metro
  • Volume: 104
  • Issue Number: 7
  • Publisher: Bobit Publishing Company
  • ISSN: 1098-0083
  • Serial URL: http://www.metro-magazine.com

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Low floor vehicles; Passenger comfort; Transit buses; Vehicle capacity
• Subject Areas: Passenger Transportation; Public Transportation; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01115742
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: UC Berkeley Transportation Library
• Files: BTRIS, TRIS
• Created Date: Nov 29 2008 8:07AM