 |
BUSES |
Buses are a vital part of every transportation system, and in
many areas of the world the only part. Larger buses are generally cheaper and more
efficient to operate than smaller ones, but in order to guarantee frequent service, the
size of vehicle must be matched to the number of passengers using the route. For example,
CATA in State College, PA, employs a number of 18-seat minibuses on routes from the
downtown area to suburban areas, where there are not enough passengers to justify anything
larger.
| This articulated bus
represents the upper size limit for buses, carrying up to 114 passengers. |
 |
The reason buses are so ubiquitous is that they are cheap to
operate, can make frequent stops, and can easily adapt to route changes. However, buses
sometimes have a negative image, primarily due to the fact that they are slower than
driving the same route in a car (unless dedicated bus lanes or busways are provided), the
ride is often uncomfortable, and variable traffic conditions make it difficult for buses
to keep to schedules. Diesel engines in buses cause particulate pollution, which can
significantly reduce air quality. Because of this, many bus operators are switching over
to natural gas. An approach which has fallen out of favor in recent years is the
trolleybus. These look and behave like ordinary buses, but are powered by electricity from
overhead wires, like electric trains or trolleys.
A recent innovation in bus design has
been low-floor buses, in which all or part of the bus has a floor that is only a few
inches higher than the roadway. Low floor buses are a boon for all bus passengers,
especially disabled passengers and those with strollers or baby carriages.
