Bus Terminals Research Articles

Assessing the demand of route network for locating a bus terminus in a city – A case study of gandhipuram bus terminus (Coimbatore city)

Coimbatore is the second largest city in Tamilnadu. The bus terminus infrastructure in the city is not sufficient to handle the capacity of buses. Therefore, the Tamilnadu government has decided to construct new bus terminus at Vellalore. But when the route network between the existing bus terminus and the location of new bus terminus provides the inconvenient route behaviour for the passengers. This research work executes the route behaviour analysis for locating the efficient and accessible bus terminus inside the skirts of the city. The demand of various routes and the expectations of passengers has been analysed based on the questionnaire survey and the finalised route choice has been predicted based on the demand of the passengers and bus services.

Impacts of electrifying public transit on the electricity grid, from regional to state level analysis

Battery electrified public transit (BEPT), including buses and passenger ferries, is a promising solution to transport-related climate emissions and urban air pollution, but introduces potentially challenging large, coincident demand in the low-voltage distribution network. This paper presents a tool for estimating the energy and charging demand of electrified public transit using public data that is available in over 150 cities/states globally and demonstrates it in two case studies. The tool applies heuristic vehicle scheduling to existing public General Transit Feed Specification data to model the charging profiles and electricity consumption of BEPT for various charging regimes across different geographical scales. For the case study of New South Wales, Australia, the impacts of BEPT are most significant at the low-voltage network, where adding a battery-electric bus depot was found to increase the annual critical peak demand at the local zone substation in Summer by up to 17% while exacerbating demand during the daily evening peak period by 20–30%. Across the entire state of NSW, a full transition to BEPT increases annual electricity consumption by 1.28–1.34% and peak daily demand by 1–3%.

Evaluation of exposure to nano-sized particles among transport and vehicle service workers.

Exposure to fine and ultrafine particles from transport processes is a main consequence of emissions from engines, especially those with self-ignition. The particles released in these processes are a source of occupational and environmental particles exposure. The aim of this study was to assess the fine and nano-sized particles emission degree during work connected with transport and vehicle servicing. The tests were carried out at 3 workplaces of vehicles service and maintenance (a car repair workshop, a truck service hall, and a bus depot) during 1 work day in each of them. Measurements were performed using the following devices: DISCmini meters, GRIMM 1.109 optical counter and the DustTrak monitor. The number, surface area and mass concentration, and the number size distribution were analyzed. The mean number concentration (DISCmini) increased during the analyzed processes, ranging from 4×104 p/cm3 to 8×104 p/cm3, and the highest concentration was found in the car repair workshop. The particles mean diameters during the processes ranged 31-47 nm, depending on the process. An increase in the surface area concentration value was observed in correlation with the particles number, and its highest concentration (198 m2/cm3) was found during work in the car repair workshop. The number size distribution analysis (GRIMM 1.109) showed the maximum value of the number concentration for particles sized 60 nm. The mean mass concentrations increased during the tested processes by approx. 40-70%, as compared to the background. According to the measurement results, all the workplaces under study constituted a source of an increase in all analyzed parameters characterizing emissions of nano-sized particles. Such working environment conditions can be harmful to the exposed workers; therefore, at such workplaces solutions for minimizing workers' exposure, such as fume hoods or respiratory protection, should be used. Med Pr. 2021;72(5):489-500.

The depot and charging facility location problem for electrifying urban bus services

• The depot and facility location problem is formulated for deploying electric and diesel buses. • Cost components in the transition from diesel buses to electric ones are evaluated. • Depot locations highlight the trade-off between deadhead mileage and land cost. • The required ratio of electric buses is a key factor in the total operational cost. • The bus fleet size affects the cost and robustness of system operation. The transition from diesel-consuming buses to electric ones entails the problem of determining the locations of bus depots, charging and maintenance stations, which can directly affect the operating cost and efficiency of a bus system. The problem also involves practical concerns, including the selection of fleet size (of electric buses), land acquisition, bus allocation, and the associated deadhead mileage. This study develops an optimization model to systematically locate depots and relevant facilities for deploying mixed types of vehicles. Further, a decomposition-based heuristic algorithm is proposed to enhance computational efficiency. A case study is performed using the data of a bus operator in Taiwan. Sensitivity and scenario analyses are conducted, evaluating major cost components and identifying the factors that affect the trade-offs between them. The proposed methodology enables bus operators/planners to closely and holistically examine their decisions during the transition toward electric bus systems.

The influence of shifting the electric bus charging routine on the techno-economic performance of a solar-powered bus depot

Electric buses consume a considerable amount of energy during charging, which inevitably increases the maximum demand (MD) on a system. We have therefore developed a model to investigate the techno-economic feasibility of solar energy for an electric bus depot. The influence of the bus charging routine (BCR) on the techno-economic performance of solar PV systems was investigated. After applying the BCR, results from simulation software provided the optimal hybrid grid-connected PV (GCPV) system of 850 kWp capacity. The cost of energy (COE) and net present cost (NPC) for this system are 0.434 MYR/kWh and 13.3 million MYR, respectively, notably lower than the existing conventional grid system (0.48 MYR/kWh and 14.7 million MYR, respectively). This optimised system significantly reduces the MD by 450 kW and CO2 emission by ∼38% per year. The configuration based on 850 kWp was designed and sized using design software to deliver 3.19 kWh/kWp of energy per day, and to provide a performance ratio (PR) of 82%. Overall, the GCPV system with the BCR is the most feasible option in techno-economic terms, which can reduce the operational cost and carbon emissions in order to develop sustainable transport throughout the region and beyond.

Exploring the potential of compressed natural gas as a sustainable fuel for rickshaw: A case study of Dar es Salaam

The need to deploy an alternative transport fuel other than petroleum in Tanzania is based on the increasing cost, perpetual scarceness of petroleum and excessive road emissions. The compressed natural gas (CNG) economic and environmental assessment as a sustainable fuel for public transportation in Tanzania is conducted in this study. The precarious routes originated from Gerezani bus terminal and terminated at Mbagala, Gongo la Mboto and Mbezi bus terminals inside the Dar es Salaam city are used as cases for analyses. The transition to a CNG rickshaw is implemented in three scenarios: purchasing a new CNG rickshaw, purchasing a traditional rickshaw and CNG conversion kit separately, purchasing a CNG conversion kit only. Results reveal the viability in both scenarios. Increase in route length and CNG price exhibit the downtrend in net cash revenue (NCR) and minor impact on the payback (PB) periods. Considering the transition of 50,000 traditional rickshaws to CNG ones and ply to the city's routes daily, the CNG demand would amount to 92,662.50 t/year, yielding to approximately 62,083,875.00 US$/year at a CNG price of 0.67 US$/kg with carbon saving of 33% compared to their petrol counterpart. With the adoption of the carbon tax of 8.0 US$/tCO2, the annual carbon credit earning of 2.18 million US$/year is anticipated, which adds about 0.018016 US$ or 50 TZS in 1 kg of CNG. To conclude, besides the better carbon saving prevailed, economic viability makes CNG a potential fuel for the city transport.

Environmental Awareness : Bacterial contamination of hand made beverage .

Processed street cold beverage for the public round bus terminals in localities in Khartoum State were examined for the MPN Coliforms and faecal Coliforms / 100ml
 There was faecal contamination of 70%for water used for the processing of beverage.88%of orange beverage ,100%of mango and guava beverage & ice is used as constituent of cold beverage.
 Results of the questionnaire, showed that the unhygienic environment ,the untrained cold beverage vendors with bad habits and the shortage of public water cycles lead to the contamination of street cold beverages.
 Food consumers were found to prefer house cold beverages to street cold beverage, but sometimes they find themselves in need to use street cold beverages especially during the hot weather.
 The financial limitations of the public health authorities made them unable to execute their responsibility towards cold beverage and food handlers as it should be done .

Bus terminal planning with the TOD approach for Jakarta, case study Kampung Rambutan bus terminal

Travel convenience needs to be supported by the existence of cheap, fast and comfortable public transportation. Jakarta as a Metropolitan City pays close attention to this and plans to improve all existing bus terminals and make them well and planned connected to all existing transportation networks. The transportation network integration system with community facility centers is known as “Transit Oriented Development” or TOD. One of the bus terminals included in this program is the Kampung Rambutan Bus Terminal, which is deemed unsuitable for use. The irregularity of the flow of passengers, the flow of private vehicles gives the impression of chaos and slum in this bus terminal. The position of this bus terminal is considered very strategic and important, because this bus terminal is a transit for passengers near and far. In principle, the TOD approach is a technique of connecting the transportation mode from the station or terminal to the surrounding buildings or areas. For example, commercial areas, offices and residences, are also connected via outdoor and indoor pedestrian paths that are open to the public and direct through to stations or terminals available in the area. Smooth travel and good network connectivity, this will also support the terminal environment maintenance issues. These two approach topics will be the theme of the new Kampung Rambutan bus terminal design.

Comparative Efficacy of Nonnicotine Replacement Therapy (Homeopathy Medicine) and Placebo With Behavioral Counseling on Tobacco Abstinence Among Adult Tobacco Users in Pune

Background: In India, tobacco is used in various forms, leading to an addictive behavioral disorder. Usually the homeopathy medicines are considered to be free from any side effects. The employees of a bus depot were addicted to tobacco and were contemplating on giving up the habit. Aim and Objective: To compare the effectiveness of non nicotine replacement therapy with behavioural councelling and placebo with behavioural councelling in tobacco abstinence at 6th and 12th month. Material and Methods: A triple blind, parallel group, placebo controlled, randomized clinical trial was conducted amongst 51 workers of bus workshop. Demographic data was recorded. Tobacco dependency was assessed using Fagerstrom questionnaire; Oral mucosa condition, CPI and LOA was recorded using WHO oral health assessment form 1997 and stains on teeth surfaces was recorded by Lobene stain index (1968). The intervention group received homeopathy medicine, control group received placebo and both groups received behavioural counseling and were followed up to 12 months. Results: Tobacco abstinence was seen in both the groups, but there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups at the end of six and twelfth month (p>0.05). The mean reduction in the frequency of tobacco consumption and the dependency score within both the groups was statistically significant (p=0.00). The intervention and the control group helped 6 Vs 5 participants to abstain from the habit. Conclusion: Homeopathy medication ie. Tabaccum, Avena Sativa, Nux Vomica, Staphysagria, Caladium have shown to be beneficial in tobacco cessation.

Deadhead Minimization with a Flexible Facility Locator Tool

As transit agencies expand, they may outgrow their existing bus storage and service facilities. When selecting a site for an additional facility, an important consideration is the change in bus deadhead time, which affects the agency’s operating costs. Minimizing bus deadhead time is the subject of many studies, though agencies may lack the necessary software or programming skill to implement those methods. This study presents a flexible tool for determination of bus facility location. Using the R dodgr package, it evaluates each candidate site based on a given bus network and existing depots and calculates the network minimum deadhead time for each potential set of facilities. Importantly, the tool could be used by any transit agency, no matter its resources. It runs on open-source software and uses only General Transit Feed Specification (GTFS) and data inputs readily available to transit agencies in the U.S.A., filling the accessibility gap identified in the literature. The tool is demonstrated through a case study with the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA), which is considering a new bus depot as it builds its bus rapid transit network. The case study used current MARTA bus GTFS data, existing depot locations, and vacant properties from Fulton County, Georgia. The tool evaluated 17 candidate sites and found that the winning site would save 29.7 deadhead hours on a typical weekday, which translates to more than $12,000 daily based on operating cost assumptions. The output provides important guidance to transit agencies evaluating sites for a new bus depot.

Emissions life cycle assessment of charging infrastructures for electric buses

This paper evaluates and calculates the magnitude of greenhouse gases produced from the implementation of electric bus charging stations into existing bus depots concurrent with the transitioning of the commuter bus fleets into electrified powertrains. To achieve this, a comprehensive and in-depth emissions life cycle assessment is conducted and utilises the Australian based fleets as a case study, focusing particularly on Sydney city and Inner West regions. To define the scope and system boundary for this type of study, the authors have chosen bus routes that take into account city, suburban, and highway driving. The study conducts a life cycle assessment of electric bus charging stations that incorporates the greenhouse gas emissions produced from the production, transportation, installation, operations, and decommissioning phases. Additionally, three alternate scenarios are explored: time variance, high shares of renewables, and net-zero emissions by 2050. Results show that contributions from infrastructure development and the transition to electrified buses are substantially outweighed by operation emissions. The operations phase is heavily dependent on the electricity grid-mixes carbon intensity and contributes the most greenhouse gas emissions (98.8%), followed by production (0.69%), recycling and disposal (0.48%), installation (0.01%), and transportation (0.01%). The current Australian electricity grid-mix produces approximately 1.2 ∼ 1.4 times more greenhouse emissions than when combusting diesel fuel. Thus, net-zero emissions will not be achieved without substantial grid-mix decarbonisation. This study also finds that regional-specific parameters heavily influences the final life cycle emissions calculations. For the case-specific scenario, it is found that transitioning the existing transport bus fleet into electric powertrains has the potential to significantly reduce the impact on climate change compared to diesel buses. However, it can only be made possible if the electricity used to charge the electric buses is generated from low carbon-intensive sources, such as renewable energy.

Peak load minimization of an e-bus depot: impacts of user-set conditions in optimization algorithms

The transport sector is responsible for 25% of global CO2 emissions. To reduce emissions in the EU, a shift from the currently 745,000 operating public buses to electric buses (EBs) is expected in the coming years. Large-scale deployments of EBs and the electrification of bus depots will have a considerable impact on the local electric grid, potentially creating network congestion problems and spikes in the local energy load. In this work, we implement an exact, offline, modular multi-variable mixed-integer linear optimization algorithm to minimize the daily power load profile peak and optimally plan an electric bus depot. The algorithm accepts a bus depot schedule as input, and depending on the user input on optimization conditions, accounts for varying time granularity, preemption of the charging phase, vehicle-to-grid (V2G) charging capabilities and varying fleet size. The primary objective of this work is the analysis of the impact of each of these input conditions on the resulting minimized peak load. The results show that our optimization algorithm can reduce peak load by 83% on average. Time granularity and V2G have the greatest impact on peak reduction, whereas preemption and fleet splitting have the greatest impact on the computational time but an insignificant impact on peak reduction. The results bear relevance for mobility planners to account for innovative fleet management options. Depot infrastructure costs can be minimized by optimally sizing the infrastructure needs, by relying on split-fleet management or V2G options.

The application of remote sensing technology for environmental quality analysis of settlement in Bengkulu

Environmental quality research was conducted in Bengkulu City which aims to determine the quality of the residential environment. the method used in this study is a combination of high-resolution image interpretation techniques (Google Earth) assisted by geographic information system technology (GIS). high-resolution images are used to identify objects that function as parameters. Then these parameters are given a rating or scoring to obtain an analysis of the environmental conditions of the settlement, by giving weights we can determine the level of ability based on the level of these parameters. The parameters used in this study were settlement density, settlement layout, and settlement location. Based on the study results, the quality of settlements in Bengkulu City is dominated by good category, especially in Muara Bangkahalu and Selebar subdistrict, these two subdistricts still have a lot of non-developed lands and are close to transportation access in the form of bus terminals and airports so it will attract people to live there. For suggestion, good planning is really needed to build a settlement, thus the settlements and environment quality can also be well preserved.

A novel and cost-efficient energy management system for plug-in electric bus charging depot owners

The integration of renewable Distributed Generations (DGs) has been a serious concern over reliable and satisfactory operation of the distribution system due to the intermittent nature of DGs. One of the solutions being proposed is the utilization of an Energy Storage System (ESS). However, without an appropriate energy management system, the integration of PV and ESS in a Plug-In Electric Bus Depot Charging (PEBDC) ecosystem can be harmful to the LV feeder. Therefore, this paper proposed a cost-efficient energy management system that is based on a double-sided auction mechanism that provides a platform to perform energy trading among the selling and buying agents in the PEBDC ecosystem. A simulation has been performed for the energy management of the PEBDC ecosystem considering the middle months of all four seasons Summer, Autumn, Winter, and Spring corresponding to January, April, July, and October, respectively. A mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) model has been formulated for Bus Depot Owner (BDO) profit maximization and analysed using IBM ILOG studio with CPLEX solver.

An innovative social enterprise: Roles of and challenges faced by an arts hub in a World Heritage Site in Malaysia

This research examines the roles of an arts hub in George Town, Malaysia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Operating largely as a social enterprise, it has fostered links between the local cultural sector, international arts actors, local communities, and tourists. But this innovative approach does encounter some challenges. This research employed a structured questionnaire and in-depth interviews with key persons, to understand the adopted management strategies and innovation practices. The arts hub has converted a derelict bus depot into an arts space serving both artists and local communities. This place-making effort has gained international acclaims for its innovations and community engagement. But it is a “meanwhile” space, precarious in nature due to land development threats as it is located at the edge of the old city centre, just outside of the world heritage site regulated zone. It also faces challenges in financial sustainability; further innovation in its business model is warranted particularly in revenue model innovation and partnership-building with the public sector and the tourism industry. The organisation is the focal point of an extended international and local art community in a mini-entrepreneurial ecosystem. It survives by finding innovative ways, taking some risks to obtain resources, retain and nurture talent, and reach out to the community. The research helps to provide a greater understanding of the potential roles and challenges faced by innovative social enterprises in the cultural and creative sector worldwide. • An arts hub could play a role in place-making, re-occupying spaces for community-based creative activities. • Extended network is an enabling factor in innovation endeavours of an art based social enterprise. • Organisational innovation is required to improve access to resources and talents, and to reach out to the communities. • A ‘meanwhile’ art space is precarious due to the pressure from commercial and residential property development. • Innovation in business/revenue model is warranted to ensure long-term financial sustainability of a social enterprise.

A comparative study of cardiovascular disease risk among bus drivers and bus conductors of a state transport corporation in North Goa

Background: Bus drivers and bus conductors are predisposed to increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risks.Driving for long duration involves prolonged sitting, which enforces sedentary behavior among drivers in comparison to conductors who have the freedom to move aboutBackground: Bus drivers and bus conductors are predisposed to increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risks.Driving for long duration involves prolonged sitting, which enforces sedentary behavior among drivers in comparison to conductors who have the freedom to move about in the bus. The aim and objectives of the study were to identify selected risk factors for CVDs among bus drivers and bus conductors; to estimate the CVDs risk among them using Framingham risk score and to study the difference of risk factors and CVDs risk between bus drivers and conductors.Methods: The present study was a comparative cross-sectional study among 105 bus drivers and 105 bus conductors at the Panaji bus depot of Goa. A pre-designed semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data along with anthropometric, clinical examination and blood investigations. The Framingham risk score with BMI and lipids was used to compare the CVD risk.Results: Higher percentage of bus drivers had diabetes, hypertension, obesity and dyslipidemia. When the CVD risk was compared using the Framingham risk score, 63.8% bus drivers had intermediate-high CVD risk using FRS-BMI compared to 46.7% bus conductors and the difference is found to be significant. Using FRS- lipids, 65.7% bus drivers had intermediate-high risk compared to 53.3% bus conductors.Conclusions: The behavioral risk factors for CVD were higher among bus drivers compared to bus conductors. in the bus. Aims and objectives: 1) To identify selected risk factors for CVDs among bus drivers and bus conductors 2) To estimate the CVDs risk among them using Framingham risk score 3)To study the difference of risk factors and CVDs risk between bus drivers and conductors.Methods: The present study is a comparative cross sectional study among 105 bus drivers and 105 bus conductors at the Panaji bus depot of Goa. A predesigned semi structured questionnaire was used to collect data along with anthropometric, clinical examination and blood investigations. The Framingham risk score with BMI and Lipids was used to compare the CVD riskResults:Higher percentage of bus drivers had diabetes, hypertension, obesity and dyslipidemia. When the CVD risk was compared using the Framingham risk score, 63.8 % bus drivers had intermediate-high CVD risk using FRS-BMI compared to 46.7 % bus conductors and the difference is found to be significant. Using FRS-Lipids, 65.7 % bus drivers had intermediate-high risk compared to 53.3 % bus conductors.Conclusion: The behavioural risk factors for CVD were higher among bus drivers compared to bus conductors.

TRAFFIC MORTALITY, MORTALITY AWARENESS, AND ATTITUDE TO ROAD SAFETY

Road traffic accidents in Nigeria are increasing at an alarming rate and have raised one of the countrys primary concerns. The current study aimed to investigate the effect of mortality awareness on attitude towards road safety. This studys main objective is to ascertain if subtle reminder of traffic mortality will influence road usersattitudes towards road safety. One hundred and three (n=103) road users from public bus terminals, and private car parking garages in the Enugu State of Nigeria participated in this study. A cross-sectional survey design was adopted. Data were collected using a modified version of the Attitude towards Safe Driving Scale (ASDS) and a scale developed to trigger mortality thoughts. The regression analysis conducted on the data established a positive association between a subtle reminder of mortality and attitude towards road safety at F (1,101), 367.67, P<.000. More so, an adjusted R2of .547 indicates that mortality reminders accounted for 54.7% of the variation in attitude towards road safety. The study concluded that mortality reminders are essential in controlling traffic-related accidents and violations. The practical implication and recommendations are discussed.

Prevalence of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Antibodies Among Market and City Bus Depot Workers in Lima, Peru.

We report severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 antibody positivity among market and city bus depot workers in Lima, Peru. Among 1285 vendors from 8 markets, prevalence ranged from 27% to 73%. Among 488 workers from 3 city bus depots, prevalence ranged from 11% to 47%. Self-reported symptoms were infrequent.

Characteristics of gaseous and particulate air pollutants at four different urban hotspots in Tehran, Iran

This study reports a characterization of outdoor gaseous and particulate pollutants and their associated health effects in four different urban hotspots in Tehran, Iran during winter and summer. Buses, taxis, and cars are prominent sources of toxic pollutants in Tehran. There is a significant level of exposure to emissions from diesel buses in bus terminals, especially with boarding, disembarking, and waiting. Mean concentrations (μg/m3) in summer and winter, respectively, ranged from 10 to 20.67 and 17–21 for PM1, 52.50–79.19 and 58.33–85.33 for PM2.5, 64.50–102 and 78.83–125.83 for PM7, 130.17–204.67 and 157–231.67 for PM10, 261–409.50 and 305.83–458.83 for TSP, and 372.50–418.33 vs. 351.27–373.47 for CO2 (ppm). Particulate concentrations were higher in winter, especially the first three days of the week, assisted in part by the shallower mixing layer height as compared to summer. Mean hazard quotient (HQ) values for both PM2.5 and PM10 in both seasons for bus terminals in three scenarios ranged between 0.81 and 4.96, which exceeded reference levels (1 < HQ). The results of this study have implications for public health, especially in dense traffic areas.

Charging station Stochastic Programming for Hydrogen/Battery Electric Buses using Multi-Criteria Crow Search Algorithm

Today, the zero-emission transport system is a public will in megacities. A promising alternative among the countermeasures is to employ Battery Electric Buses (BEB) and Fuel-Cell Buses (FCB) at reasonable prices. This paper addresses Multi-product Charging Stations (MCS) in the selected bus terminals for refilling hydrogen and electricity. The core of MCS is constituted of a pair of Electrolyzer/Fuel Cell working back to back by Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) technology. The innate flexibility in the operation of such a configuration enables for providing regulating services when the market price is soaring. The multi-criteria programming for the hourly schedule in different weather conditions is investigated using the Crow Search Algorithm. The objective is to enhance the daily profit of charging stations through the optimized multi-products/services selection. Uncertainty in wind speed, market price, and electric vehicles is considered in scenarios. The weightings are decided through the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Criteria Importance through Inter-criteria Correlation (CRITIC) methods. The superiority of MC-CSA Stochastic Programming is showcased by simulations on a modified 33-bus IEEE distribution system using DK2 (east Denmark) data under subsidized and liberal markets. Regarding the daily profit outcomes, CRITIC was advantageous on windy days when the market prices vary with wind speed whilst AHP was preferred in low wind hours. The most lucrative operations are achievable when the products are fully accepted by regulating markets, BEBs, and FCBs on windy days. The results indicate that the additional remuneration on green hydrogen leaves a deeper impact rather than subsidies on electricity prices for EVs.