BRT/BHLS versus Tram comparison
Comparison / overlaps between the BHLS and Tramway market is always a hot issues all over the world. Such analysis is a good way to understand better where and how the bus-based systems can have a better perspective into our European urban and economical context (expensive working cost rate like all developed countries). This issue regards mainly the WG4, but also the other WGs, as the WG1 linked with our urban culture often restrained.
From Hamburg plenary session, two external experts were invited on this "hot" item:
On bus-LRT comparison : some key- factors by Professor Carmen Hass-Klau of the University of Wuppertal
This presentation was the opportunity to express different advantages / disadvantages of these two types of “on surface” modes, from several research results on this domain since a long time by the University of Wuppertal. This analysis covered a lot of aspects, such as technical considerations, comfort and design, low carbon footprint, planning advantages, acceptance of car traffic restrictions, change of mode, economic impact,… so that the local context is always very important in any decision. As conclusion words, has been highlighted that tram systems are so often seen more “sexy” that bus-based systems, even if some cases, such as the Busway in Nantes has shown an ability to offer a very attractive design. On capacity point of view these modes are seen mainly as complementary modes.
The slides:
- Bus versus tram comparison
- By Carmen Hass Klau - Oct 2009
See also the cost comparison "BHLS / Tram" made by Volker Deutsch - Wuppertal university
On BRT trends/ potential market Bus versus LRT in developed countries : Professor Vukan R. Vuchic Department of Elec. & Systems Engineering, University of Pennsylvania
Mr Vukan R. Vuchic is a well-known professor all over the world, and we had a great presentation coming from his very large experience. Common misconceptions analysis in transit mode selection during the 1950-70 period in so many cities let us understand the key-points that should be kept in mind for any PT taken in account :
the importance of infrastructure protection into the 4 key-indicators, regularity, speed, reliability, capacity
flexibility cannot offer a good level of reliability / readability needed for any public transit route
the importance of a network approach all over the urban area (interchanges efficiency)
Due to infrastructure considerations (3 levels of protection are defined, A, B, C) he highlights so very well how the BRT/BHLS and LRT market can meet the gap between metro systems and common bus network.
The slides:
- On BRT / Rail systems marquet
- By professor Vukan R. Vuchic - Oct 2009