INCREMENTAL ELECTRIFICATION OF URBAN PUBLIC TRANSPORT

The costs and some of the benefits of incrementally electrifying urban public transport are examined. Given a cautionary political atmosphere, electrification which requires low capital inputs and allows flexibility in future investment options is preferable. The hybrid bus and "trolleywire" electrical supply could be matched to provide such an option. Over a number of years an increasing portion of the network will be electrified and some routes might allow straight electric bus operation, while others may still require hybrid vehicles. Should fuel or heavy metal prices rise faster than expected, the less dense parts of the network could also be electrified. Quite small power packs of lead-acid cells would be sufficient to provide "off-wire" power for up to 20 km. with semiconductors and improved insulators, the supply could be at a much higher voltage (about 1500 V d.c.) or could even use a.c. technology. Among the benefits of electrification are reducing oil consumption, reducing pollution, producing cost savings, increasing patronage and hence revenue.

• Corporate Authors:

  Institution of Electrical Engineers

  Savoy Place
  London WC2R 0BL, NY  England  10016-5997
• Authors:
  • LESLEY, L
• Publication Date: 1979-6

Media Info

• Features: Tables;
• Pagination: p. 17-18
• Serial:
  • ELECTRIC VEHICLE DEVELOPMENTS
  • Issue Number: 2

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Benefits; Costs; Electric buses; Energy conservation; Fuel consumption; Hybrid vehicles; Public transit; Railroad electrification; Trolley cars; Urban transportation
• Uncontrolled Terms: Increments
• Subject Areas: Energy; Environment; Finance; Highways; Public Transportation; Railroads; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00310260
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jun 9 1980 12:00AM