Suburban Bus Research Articles

Towards Cleaner Cities: An Analysis of the Impact of Bus Fleet Decomposition on PM and NOX Emissions Reduction in Sustainable Public Transport

The problem of poor air quality in urban areas has a negative impact on the health of residents. This is especially important during periods of smog. In Poland, as in other countries, the problem of poor air quality, especially during the winter season, is associated with a high concentration of particulate pollutants in ambient air (PM10, PM2.5). Sources of particulate emissions, in addition to solid-fuel boilers, include means of transportation, especially those equipped with diesel engines. In turn, during periods of strong sunshine (spring and summer), the problem of photochemical smog, whose precursors are nitrogen oxides NOX, arises in urban areas. Their main sources of emissions are internal combustion engines. Therefore, to improve air quality in urban areas, changes are being made in the transport sector, among which is upgrading the fleet of urban transport vehicles to low- or zero-emission vehicles, which are more environmentally friendly. In addition, measures that reduce the harmfulness of the transportation sector to air quality include the introduction of clean transportation zones, as well as park-and-ride (P&R) systems. The purpose of this article is to present the results in terms of PM10, PM2.5, and NOx emission reductions, implemented over a period of two years (2021–2022) in the area of the Rzeszow agglomeration, related to the modernization of the suburban bus fleet and the implementation of a P&R system for passenger cars. The results of the study were compared with the value of estimated emissions from coal-fired boilers used for residential heating and hot water, which also contribute to smog. Thanks to the implementation of the project, i.e., the replacement of 52 old buses with new buses of the Euro VI emission class and the construction of new P&R spaces, the total average annual reduction in emissions amounted to approximately 703.6 kg of PM10, approximately 692.7 kg of PM2.5, and a reduction of approximately 10.4 tons of NOX.

Fatigue in transportation operations: A contextual factors survey among Iranian suburban drivers.

Fatigue, as a persistent and serious occupational hazard, plays an important role in traffic accidents by reducing the driver's ability to maneuver with the vehicle and increasing the likelihood of falling asleep at the wheel. The purpose of this study was to identify the individual contextual factors, sleep condition, lifestyle, job characteristics, environmental, and economic conditions that affect the fatigue and alertness of Iranian suburban bus drivers. A questionnaire-based cross-sectional survey was used for this study. Non-probability sampling was used to study 401 suburban bus drivers from Tehran province, Iran, ranging in age from 24 to 67 years. The SPSS22 statistical software V27 was used for the analysis. Approximately half of the participants (50.5%) had experienced fatigue while driving in the previous six months. According to a logistic regression analysis, the contextual factors were all independently related to falling asleep and fatigue while driving. This study provides a thorough understanding of the contextual factors related to drowsy driving and emphasizes the importance of taking these things into consideration when developing interventions aimed at improving the driver's wellbeing and health and lowering the risk of errors and accidents.

An algorithm to estimate the real time secondary infections in sub-urban bus travel: COVID-19 epidemic experience at Chennai Metropolitan city India.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13337-022-00804-9.

Regional Differences in the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Demand for Bus Transport in the Slovak Republic

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic and the anti-pandemic measures taken have significantly affected the activities of the society and the associated need for mobility, as well as the transport behaviour of inhabitants. The goal of this research is to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the change in the demand of residents for suburban bus transport (SBT) services in the regions of Slovakia. Due to the impact of the pandemic of COVID-19, there was a decrease in the number of passengers transported by SBT as well as a decrease in the supply of bus services offered in all the regions under study. The decrease in the number of passengers in the pandemic year was caused not only by COVID-19 and the anti-pandemic measures, but also by the reduction in the supply of SBT. The research confirmed the relation between the reduction in the offer of SBT and the decrease in passenger demand.

Design of integrated passenger-freight transport: A multi-stakeholder perspective

Integrated passenger freight transport (IPFT) is a tactical solution that can potentially reduce travel demand and the costs of first- and last-mile services. Although the scientific interest in this topic increased in the last decade, IPFT contributions are still mostly related to the definition of a general framework. Conversely, the design of the service attributes and the evaluation of the operational performances have been object of less attention. To address such a research gap, this paper presents the results of a Delphi survey with international stakeholders. The aim is to verify the minimum requirements upon the introduction of the IPFT in both urban and rural contexts, including fare reductions for users, which are necessary to compensate for the differences as compared with passenger-only and freight-only services. The survey results indicate the necessity of an efficient service in terms of information, environmental performances, space division, and security (the last aspect refers more to passenger than to freight transport). Other attributes, such as cleanliness on board, are more debated. Policymakers and practitioners can use these findings as a benchmark for the definition of performance requirements and boundaries for designing the service. The suitability of the IPFT scheme in real-case contexts is then verified. New suburban and urban IPFT services are designed by modifying the characteristics of two existing urban and suburban bus lines that operate in the Italian provinces of Forlì-Cesena and Rimini according to both the results of the Delphi survey and the territorial specificities. The scheme’s suitability to the existing schedules is finally determined. As next steps, the new design has to be assessed through a) a stated preference survey submitted to potential users of the service; b) a supply model that verifies the matching of supply and demand under the new configuration, and c) an economic evaluation of the service, which considers the perspective of single actors.

Simulation of the TATA 079 suburban bus rollover tests in accordance with UN/ECE Regulation No. 66

This work is a logical continuation of studies presented in the author’s previous publications [1,2,3] on establishing the analytical application features of the developed methodology for simulating natural tests in accordance with UN/ECE Regulation No. 66. [4], as well as evaluating the identity between calculated and experimental results of checking the reserve of cabin space. The relevance of the proposed methodology is primarily related to the need to comply with the requirements of the current Regulation regarding the level of passive safety of passengers in the cabin during the certification of buses: a real-life approach to testing is conducted with a series of crash tests, which lead to the inevitable destruction of the bus body frame. We would like to remind that the specific weight of the body cost in the total cost of the bus, depending on its type, can reach up to 50% of its price, which leads to exorbitant costs during the certification of road prototypes before the start of their commercial operation.

Estimation of the minimum required bus capacity between the hinterland and the centre of a functional urban region – a comparative study of the five largest Serbian cities

ABSTRACT This study presents a simply applicable method for comparing the capacity and potential of suburban bus services. The starting point for the analysis of the capacity is raw data from individual transport companies on the frequency of bus connections and the connectivity of centres with other parts of urban regions. A minimum seat capacity constant, based on the definition of a bus as a means of public transport, enables getting estimation of minimal required capacity. The concept of demographic gravitation serves as a comparative element of gravitational and capacity potential between settlements within urban regions, namely, demographic force, which measures the population of two settlements with the square of the distance between them with adequately made calibration based on real traffic flows. The results provide a comprehensive picture of the distribution of the suburban bus network, with detailed values of the required capacity in the lowest administrative units.

Bus Transit Oriented Development—Strengths and Challenges Relative to Rail

While rail has been the focus of most planning for Transit Oriented Development (TOD), there has been recent interest in bus-related TOD with an emphasis on new bus rapid transit (BRT) systems in North and South America and Australia. This article takes a critical look at the strengths and challenges of bus-based transit systems compared to rail in relation to TOD. It includes a review of the literature and an assessment of TOD-related developments. The performance of BRT systems in relation to TOD is considered with specific reference to BRT systems in Australia. In addition, TOD related to local suburban bus service is examined. The article describes the general concept of TOD and how this relates to features of transit modes, outlines the literature relevant to bus-based TOD, and identifies the strengths and challenges of bus-based transit systems in relation to TOD. It concludes by summarizing the relative strengths and challenges of BRT and local bus services compared to rail. The findings of the review are used to identify ways in which bus-based TOD might be better planned and implemented.

Evaluating the viability of a Tram-Train system. A case study from Salento (Italy)

Tram-Train (TT) combines features of railway and tramway systems by mean of tailored light railway vehicles. Although TT systems offer several benefits such as efficiency, effectiveness, and quality, they also incur some issues (e.g., rolling-stock design) that might discourage city administrations from implementation. Further, whilst this system is quite well-known, the related literature is still scarce and relegated to presenting qualitative descriptions of general features, technical issues, and experiments with some TT components. Detailed viability analyses of TT systems implementation in metropolitan areas and evaluation of their economic feasibility have been poorly investigated.This case study addresses previous gaps by a two-tier framework. The first - a context analysis - focuses on a city’s features and applies an analytical hierarchy process resulting in a weighted global score to assess the suitability of the specific context for a TT system. If the city achieves a positive evaluation for implementation (according to the score), then the second tier brings a cost-benefit analysis (CBA) into play to assess the project’s economic sustainability.Analysis of the Salento (Italy) metropolitan area proved to be a peculiar case study, as it presented uncommon features for TT system employment compared to ideal scenarios from the literature. Nevertheless, by the context analysis, the area resulted viable for such an innovative and interoperable transport system. Indeed, the results highlighted that resource availability and political strategies were far more relevant in the analysis than the spatial and technical features, as well as the need for improving connections. Next, two TT project alternatives were compared through the CBA, and both resulted in economically sustainable, being the net present value positive, the internal rate of return larger than the discount rate and the benefit-cost ratio larger than one. In addition, a sensitivity analysis was applied for the best alternative. It showed that TT investment costs, the marginal cost of accidents, and the demand shifted from the suburban bus and car, respectively, were reported as critical variables. Nonetheless, no switching values were registered that could realistically threaten the assessment of the economic profitability of the TT project. As far as the authors know, these results provide the first empirical evidence of the TT system’s viability and its economic feasibility in a mid-sized city based on the development of previous literature recommendations. Hence, this case study may provide a benchmark tool for policymakers, transit experts and the scientific community to assess TT projects.

Drivers' subjective perceptions of the contextual factors influencing fatigue: A qualitative study of suburban bus drivers in Iran.

Drivers' drowsiness is a significant issue globally known as a contributing factor to crashes in various transportation operations. Although there is evidence that suburban bus drivers experience drowsy driving, most previous studies are quantitative, which means that drivers experiencing drowsiness have not had the opportunity to explain their direct views and thoughts. This qualitative exploratory study subjectively investigates the contextual factors influencing fatigue among suburban bus drivers. Collecting data was conducted through 14 in-depth interviews with suburban bus drivers working in Tehran province's transportation system, Iran. The interview recording was transcribed by the research team and entered into the qualitative data analysis software. Two independent coders with qualitative content analysis and thematic analysis approach analyzed transcripts. Four themes emerged, including human factors (with categories of individual characteristic and lifestyle), vehicle factors (with categories of design and performance), job factors (with categories of task requirement, quantity and quality of sleep, and circadian rhythm,) and environmental factors (with categories of the physical and economic environment). We found a more significant number of codes and categories and thus more contextual factors associated with job factors. The participants emphasized the importance of sleep deprivation, long driving hours, and even time of the day as factors influencing fatigue. The study results can provide beneficial information for both ergonomists and car manufacturers in developing more accurate fatigue detection models and effective educational and technical interventions to maintain road user's health and reduce road accidents and mortality rates due to drowsiness.

Walking the Last Mile: Barriers and Solutions to Suburban Transit Access

Pedestrian infrastructure plays a critical role in facilitating first-/last-mile access to transit. Efforts to connect pedestrians to transit through infrastructure improvements, however, often face considerable implementation barriers. These barriers can be particularly pronounced for suburban transit providers, which serve low-density, automobile-oriented development and often must coordinate across many jurisdictions. In this analysis, we examine strategies that transit agencies, metropolitan planning organizations, and municipalities use to build pedestrian infrastructure near suburban transit services in the United States, and the barriers they face in this process. We use Pace Suburban Bus, a transit provider in the Chicago, Illinois region, as an illustrative case study, conducting surveys with planners and interviews with diverse stakeholder groups in the agency’s service area. To complement these findings, we conduct an online survey of similar agency types in ten peer regions across the United States. The results suggest that agencies support pedestrian access to transit through a variety of plans, policies, programs, and partnerships. However, agencies face significant implementation barriers, including limited funding, competing investment priorities, jurisdictional/coordination issues, automobile-oriented planning and development, regulatory compliance issues, and limited staff capacity. Based on these findings, we propose recommendations related to planning (e.g., better inclusion/documentation of pedestrian needs in plans), policy (e.g., regional support for Complete Streets and Americans with Disability Act related policy efforts), funding (e.g., regional platforms for sharing funding opportunities), and education (e.g., staff training and community awareness campaigns). These recommendations provide specific actions that agencies at multiple levels of government can take to better support pedestrian access to transit in suburban communities.

Methodology for rationing the fuel consumption of the PAZ-320412 bus

The article analyzes suburban bus transportation with specific routes in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). For the experimental study, the route No. 101, «Yakutsk – Tabaga» with a total length of 31 km was chosen. The schedule of buses of Municipal Unitary Enterprise «Yakut Passenger Transport Company (YAPAK)» on the suburban route is shown. The basic technical data of the bus PAZ-320412 was studied. In accordance with international regulations for the buses, the determination of fuel consumption and specific emissions of normalized toxic components is carried out using a riding cycle on running drums. For the calculation of fuel consumption, the technique of modeling of indicators of work of the engine which provide change of traction and speed characteristics of the car according to the set driving cycle was used. Finally, the results of the calculated fuel consumption for the NEDC driving cycle are compared with experimental data. As a comparison of the calculated and theoretical fuel consumption data with practical data, the Cummins engine type Cummins ISF 3.8 is considered. This internal combustion engine is installed on a PAZ-320412 bus. Experimental data on the fuel consumption of this bus per 100 km. showed 48 nm3, and theoretical calculations of bus fuel consumption per 100 km. by the proposed method showed 42 nm3. Therefore, to assess the traction and speed properties of the bus, the proposed combined method can be used which allows one to obtain calculation of fuel consumption which is closer to the experimental data on a driving cycle. Using the source data of the vehicle, effective engine performance indicators are evaluated. A calculation method is proposed for modeling a test, and experimental driving cycle of automobile transport with a total mass of more than five tons is suggested.

Development of a methodology for rationing the route fuel consumption of the LIAZ-5256.57 bus in operation

The article analyzes suburban bus transportation on specific routes in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). Route No. 101 Yakutsk Tabaga with a total length of 31 km was chosen for the experimental study. The timetable for the movement of buses of the municipal unitary enterprise Yakutsk Passenger Transport Enterprise (YAPAK) on the suburban route is given. The main technical data of the LiAZ-5256.57 bus were studied. In accordance with international rules for buses, the determination of the amount of fuel consumption and specific emissions of normalized toxic components is carried out using a driving cycle on working drums. A technique to calculate fuel consumption is used for modeling engine performance indicators that provide a change in the traction and speed characteristics of the vehicle in accordance with the established driving cycle. The calculated fuel consumption results for the NEDC driving cycle are compared with experimental data. As a comparison of calculated and theoretical data on fuel consumption with practical data, a Cummins type CG 250 engine is considered. The internal combustion engine is installed on the LiAZ-5256.57 bus. Experimental data on the fuel consumption of this bus per 100 kilometers (km) showed 49 nm3, and theoretical calculations of the fuel consumption of the bus per 100 km using the proposed method showed 48 nm3.
 Thus, to assess the traction and speed characteristics of the bus, the proposed combined method can be used, which makes it possible to obtain a calculation of fuel consumption that is closer to the experimental data on the driving cycle. Based on the initial data of the vehicle, the effective performance of the engine is evaluated. A computational method for modeling tests and an experimental driving cycle for motor vehicles with a total mass of more than five tons are proposed.

Impact of COVID-19 and Anti-Pandemic Measures on the Sustainability of Demand in Suburban Bus Transport. The Case of the Slovak Republic

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on global social and economic development, including the transport sector. To prevent the spread of COVID-19, individual states had to take radical measures, including the closure of schools, offices, and businesses. At present, an extraordinary situation persists in the Slovak Republic in connection to the COVID-19 pandemic, which continues to influence the behavior and decisions of passengers when using public passenger transport. Anti-pandemic measures in the Slovak Republic were reflected in a decrease in the mobility of the population in public passenger transport; the change in mobility manifested to different extents in individual regions of the Slovak Republic. Our research at the regional level is focused on the Žilina self-governing region. The net impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 was clear through a year-on-year decrease in the number of total passenger transport systems for suburban bus transport (SBT) in ŽSK by 40.2% in March, in April by 70.0%, and in May by 60.2%. There was a more significant decrease in the number of passengers in the first wave of the pandemic in the first half of 2020 than during the second wave of the pandemic in the second half of 2020. The decrease in demand was most pronounced in April 2020 in pupils and students aged 15 years (−89.3%), in children under 6 years (−85.7%), and in seniors over 65 (−80.0%). A time series of past demand for SBT in the Žilina self-governing region, including data from the pandemic period used for forecasts of single-criteria, reduced the reliability of estimated future values of demand. Estimated future demand values are an important part of SBT’s transport service plans for ensuring an adequate supply of transport services in order to maintain demand.

Investigating the Effect of Suburban Buses on Traffic Flow and Carbon Monoxide Emission by Aimsun Simulation Software

Incorrect placement of use in the urban area can affect the demand pattern of trips, traffic flow between the different districts, and air pollution. Traffic simulators were used to study the impact of this factor on traffic flow and pollutant emission in traffic networks. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the incorrect placement of the Tehran West Terminal on the flow of traffic and the amount of carbon monoxide emission in the network using the Aimsun simulation software. Hence, the suburban bus route was simulated from the West Terminal to the Bakery intersection in the presence and absence of suburban buses. Then parameters were investigated, such as carbon monoxide emissions, fuel consumption, delay time, total travel time, and average speed of traffic flow. The results showed that when suburban buses are present in the network, the average traffic speed rate decreased by 7.6%, and the total travel time and network delay time increased by 11.1% and 9.1%, respectively, which in general indicates a decrease in the quality of the in-network traffic flow. Also, fuel consumption and carbon monoxide emissions increased with suburban bus presence in the network by 13.7% and 9.1%, respectively. The results can confirm that lack of attention to urban development limits and ignoring the importance of sustainable urban management in controlling traffic demand can have negative economic and environmental consequences.

ДОСЛІДЖЕННЯ РІВНЯ ЯКОСТІ ТРАНСПОРТНИХ ПОСЛУГ НА ПРИМІСЬКИХ АВТОБУСНИХ МАРШРУТАХ

The article addresses the problems of the evaluation methodology improvement of the transport service efficiency and quality provided to passengers on suburban bus routes in accordance with the modern management system requirements. The purpose of the study is to provide practical recommendations to motor transport enterprises following which they can improve the level of service provided to suburban bus route passengers, as well as to provide a structured approach that will allow transport organizations to respond objectively and reasonably to requests resulting from new passenger transportation needs. For a comprehensive assessment of quantitative and qualitative transport service indicators, the evaluation method of the transport service efficiency is proposed. This approach makes it possible to reflect the transport service level both through the prism of enterprises` operation efficiency and the quality of transport service provision. The results of the study are of practical importance in the application of such methods in motor transport enterprises` activity providing the necessary information for management in modern business conditions.

Impact of COVID-19 on bus and urban public transport in SR

The global health crisis, to the extent we are experiencing, has not affected the international community for more than a century. The epidemiological situation in recent months has severely affected all spheres of life and the economy, and has also significantly affected bus transport. Irregular bus tour transport was affected most by the measures taken and a number of carriers have no transport performance. The paper examines the results of the impact of the adopted preventive measures against the spread of COVID-19 on suburban bus transport and urban public transport. Due to the lack of overall data for 2020, a statistical survey was carried out on a sample of selected bus operators, examining the development of the number of passengers carried, the number of kilometers traveled during the first six months of 2020 compared to 2019. The adopted anti-epidemic measures have impacts on the costs of carriers and the outflow of passengers to passenger cars, respectively. to other types of mobility e.g. bicycle transport. This means increasing demands on the financing of bus transport by customers of public passenger transport.

Research on the relationship between the demand for suburban bus transport and the number of registered passenger cars in the Slovak Republic

In recent years a trend of increasing individual car transport is seen in the traffic at the expense of public passenger transport. This adverse development has negative effects on the environment and human health as well. This manuscript aims to prove the declining demand for bus transport in individual self-governing regions in the Slovak Republic and at the same time the increase in the share of individual car transport. The increase in individual car transport has, above all, a negative impact on passenger demand for ordinary fares, as the population has the choice of using the services of a particular operator or their own passenger car to make their journeys. From the side of government or individual self-governing regions as contracting authority of transport services must be an effort to reverse this unfavorable situation, as the number of registered passenger cars is one of the important factors that affects the demand for suburban bus transport. The authorities can support suburban bus transport in front of the individual car transport through strategic documents such as „Strategic plan for the development of public passenger transport”.

EVALUATION METHODS OF THE QUALITY AND EFFICIENCY OF SUBURBAN PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES

The article addresses the problems of the evaluation methodology improvement of the transport service efficiency and quality provided to passengers on suburban bus routes in accordance with the modern management system requirements. The purpose of the study is to provide practical recommendations to motor transport enterprises following which they can improve the level of service provided to suburban bus route passengers, as well as to provide a structured approach that will allow transport organizations to respond objectively and reasonably to requests resulting from new passenger transportation needs. The peculiarities of public transport enterprises` activities and passenger transportation organization in suburban traffic are investigated in the paper, which is taken into account in the development of the basic activity efficiency and passenger service quality evaluation method. For a comprehensive assessment of quantitative and qualitative transport service indicators, the evaluation method of the transport service efficiency is proposed. According to the standards of the passenger service quality system, there are certain requirements related to the understanding of all processes by personnel, proper application, the provision of necessary resources, the satisfaction of passengers` demands and expectations, environmental impact and societal needs as well as the prevention of negative situations and their elimination after their occurrence. As a result, this approach makes it possible to reflect the transport service level both through the prism of enterprises ` operation efficiency and the quality of transport service provision. Thus, the results of the study are of practical importance in the application of such methods in motor transport enterprises` activity providing the necessary information for management in modern business conditions.

Automobile public transport in Kharkiv at the beginning of the twentieth century: projects and first attempts at implementation (based on materials from the local press)

Research aim is to establish the history of the first projects and attempts to organize bus passenger transportation in Kharkov at the beginning of the twentieth century. Research methodology. The article discusses the emergence and development of bus traffic in Kharkiv at the beginning of the twentieth century from the point of view of the concept of modernization of urban space. Scientific novelty. For the first time in the historiography the history of bus traffic in Kharkiv at the beginning of the 20th century became a topic of a special scientific study. The basic facts of the organization of regular bus traffic in the city in the context of the state of transport communication at that time have been established. Conclusions. The publications of the newspapers «Yuzhnyj Kraj» («South Land») and «Utro» («Morning») make it possible to identify the causes and content of the first projects of automobile passenger transportation in the city, as well as to find out that the beginning of bus traffic was closely connected with the solution of the so-called «tram issue» horse-drawn railways, which belonged to Belgian owners. Certain projects for road transport of passengers in Kharkiv - suburban bus service along the route Kharkov Measurements and delivery of the public to the hippodrome from Teatralnaya Square during the days of equestrian competitions - were carried out already in 1908-1909, but for the first time an official bus service in the city was opened along a regular route from Veterinarnaya Street to the railway station on June 6, 1910. Bus traffic existed in Kharkov during the summer-autumn of 1910, was resumed in the spring of the following year and probably lasted no longer than until the autumn of 1911. The first experience of organizing bus passenger transportation in Kharkiv was not very successful and could not compete properly with other types of urban public transport of that time - horse and electric trams. The cost of bus transportation was too high compared to the cost of horse tram and city electric trams.