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Community Bus Transportation: An Emerging Transit Mode

Community Bus Transportation: An Emerging Transit Mode. Kate Hunter-Zaworski, Ph.D., P.E. Director, NCAT TRANSED 2007 Montreal Canada. Outline. Overview of new transit mode Route characteristics Vehicle Characteristics Case Study Ergonomic Challenge. 1. Community Public Transit.

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Community Bus Transportation: An Emerging Transit Mode

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  1. Community Bus Transportation: An Emerging Transit Mode Kate Hunter-Zaworski, Ph.D., P.E. Director, NCAT TRANSED 2007 Montreal Canada

  2. Outline • Overview of new transit mode • Route characteristics • Vehicle Characteristics • Case Study • Ergonomic Challenge

  3. 1. Community Public Transit • What is it? • Who does it serve? • How is it different from current modes?

  4. 2. Route Structure • Fixed Route • Flexible Route • Hybrid Routes • Flexible service hours

  5. 3. Vehicles • Typically smaller – 12-20 passengers • Built on truck chassis • High Floor • 8-10 year life expectancy

  6. Vehicle Challenges • Steps • Lifts • Front, Side or Rear • Mobility Aid Securement • Internal circulation • Ride quality • Lighting

  7. So what is the problem? • Current vehicles do not meet needs of seniors and people with disabilities • Current low floor smaller vehicles do not have long service life

  8. Universal Design for Vehicles • Low floor • Mobility Aid Accommodation • Seats for All • Comfortable Ride Quality • 8-10 year service life

  9. Potential Vehicles – Top Five • The Friendly Bus, by Dallas Smith Corp. • Hybrid HD Senator Citibus, by Azure • Titan II, by Glaval • LC Series, by IC Corp. • President Low Floor, by Startrans

  10. President Low Floor, Startrans • 10” Entry • 19,000 Lbs GVW • 19 passengers + 2 W.C. • 12,000 General Warranty

  11. LC Series, IC Corp. • 14.5” Entry, with 11” kneel • 20,500 lbs GVW • Assumed - 19 passengers, or 15 + 2 W.C. • Chassis – Custom made by International

  12. Titan II, Glaval • Higher Floor • 12,300 lbs GVW • 14 passengers + 2 W.C. • 5 year or 150k mile warranty • Chassis – GMC G-Cutaway

  13. Hybrid HD Senator Citibus, Azure • Higher floor – 12” at first step • 14-16 Passengers + 2 W.C. • Electric Hybrid Motor • Chassis – Workhorse W42

  14. The Friendly Bus, Dallas Smith Corp. • 8” Entry, or 5” kneel • 18,000 lbs GVW • 15 Passengers, or 9 + 2 W.C. • Chassis – Ford F450 Lo-Floor

  15. 4. Case Studies • Translink – Vancouver B.C. • Oregon Paratransit Operators

  16. Small Vehicle Issues • Common to most transit agencies • Limited number of vehicles in market • Challenge to industry to develop innovative and sustainable solutions

  17. Community Shuttle -Translink • Essential component of multi-modal transit system • Reaches out into lower density neighborhoods • Serves seniors and also people with disabilities

  18. 5. Ergonomic Challenges • Steep steps at front of vehicle • Mobility Aid lift at back side of vehicle • Limited Securement Space • Poor Ride Quality • Wheelchairs ride behind rear axle • Problems with over-size Mobility Aids

  19. 5. Industry Challenges • Lack of low floor vehicles with service life expectations required by public transportation • Limited market size • Need to also consider fuel options

  20. Acknowledgement Thank you to the students in Public Transportation Class at Oregon State University for their assistance with this project. Thank you to all the transit agencies who keep asking for new low floor small vehicles.

  21. CONTACT US National Center for Accessible Transportation 220 Owen Hall Oregon State University Corvallis, OR , 97331-3212 Tel: 800-916-0099 ncat@oregonstate.edu http://ncat.oregonstate.edu

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