The ubiquitous city buses that have always been a second choice to trains and streetcars among commuters are set toward modern refashioning amidst clamor for more efficient and less pollutant public conveyances. The new models are high-tech, autonomously driven and, of roomier capacity.
Buses serve more than half of the riding public in any metropolis. Because of their multi-modal facility, they are deemed as champion of urban resilience and sustainability. Bus lines are less expensive to establish and more flexible than rail-based transit. Thus, transport investors have focused their resources into fleets of high-tech vehicles with self-driving capabilities and zero carbon emission engines, together with state-of-the-art technologies that would render them not only more environment-friendly but would offer more convenience to the riding public.
Image source: hbr.org
One of the newly introduced innovations is the driverless conveyance that is being promoted by industry giants Tesla, Google, Uber, and Apple. Many feared that their novel venture might cast a death spell on public transport system, but seemingly this is unfounded as the autonomous vehicle found its initial niche in shared driverless buses equipped with sensors and artificial intelligence, the prototypes of which now ply the streets Helsinki, Finland, Washington, D.C., and the city-state Singapore.
Another newly introduced model is the bus rapid transit systems which consist of exclusive lanes to high-capacity, limited-stop buses that can provide quick transport to multitude of passengers. Car manufacturer Volvo launched the world’s longest bus, the Gran Artic 300, which is a 98-feet-long double-articulated bus with three carriers connected by two accordion-like joints with a capacity of 300 people, hence the name. The idea of a humongous vehicle running side by side with diminutive sedans and streetcars may turn out to be not ideal hence the choice is to let the BRT traverse lanes for its exclusive use so as other motorists won’t be intimidated by its commanding road presence.
Image source: theatlantic.com
BRTs are relatively low-cost alternative to rail systems as the enhanced capacity cuts down on the overall number of buses, reducing carbon emissions as well as costs per passenger.
Lisa Dudzik, originally from Perth, Western Australia, has been a global expat for many years. Her thirst for knowledge and desire to fulfill her life’s purpose has opened up many opportunities for career and personal growth. For almost two decades, she has overseen large-scale construction projects across several industries, including those for high-capacity subways and stations, roads, and highways. For similar articles, click here.
