BUS AND COACH DESIGN - THE FUTURE

The author of this article describes his concept for the LoBUS, an ultra-low-floor bus of the future. The example considered is a 12m long single-decker, with 45 seats and standing room for about 20 people. The bus consists of a power module at its front, which contains the main running units and the driver's compartment, and the passenger module, which provides enormous flexibility in door and seating layout. The LoBUS has a front-wheel drive, powered by a Cummins C-series engine in a fully enclosed power unit. The driver works in a compartment over the front wheels, communicates with passengers over an intercom, and observes them using internal mirrors and video surveillance. The driving compartment is optimised to meet the driver's need for an efficient, safe, and comfortable workspace. The passenger area avoids flimsy partitions and rigid seating, and uses bright colours and rich textures to create an atmosphere of space and comfort. There is almost unlimited freedom to arrange doors, seats, and other fittings, but a forward door would probably be used most often in practice. The bus is intended to have a service life of 15 to 20 years, but should be refurbished at least twice during its life to remain attractive, and up to date. It has off-board fare collection and a climate control unit on its roof.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/00076392
• Corporate Authors:

  Ian Allan Publishing, Limited

  Riverdene Business Park, Riverdene Industrial Estate
  Molesey Road
  Walton-on-Tham, Surrey  United Kingdom  KT12 4RG
• Authors:
  • Woodcock, E
• Publication Date: 1999-11

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: p. 33-5
• Serial:
  • BUSES
  • Volume: 51
  • Issue Number: 536
  • Publisher: Ian Allan Publishing, Limited
  • ISSN: 0007-6392

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Buses; Color; Communications; Consumer preferences; Design; Diesel engines; Drivers; Layout; Low floor vehicles; Mode choice; Seats; Surveillance; Transmissions; Travel demand; Vehicles; Video cameras
• ITRD Terms: 287: Attractiveness (transp); 6750: Camera; 6784: Colour; 9098: Communication; 9011: Design (overall design); 1314: Diesel engine; 1772: Driver; 2885: Layout; 1285: Low floor vehicle; 1388: Seat (veh); 9101: Surveillance; 1333: Transmission (veh); 1255: Vehicle
• Subject Areas: Design; Public Transportation; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00780943
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
• Files: ITRD
• Created Date: Jan 7 2000 12:00AM