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Uses of Higher Capacity Buses in Transit Service (2008)

Chapter: Appendix A - Surveys of Transit Agencies and Bus Manufacturers

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Page 60
Suggested Citation:"Appendix A - Surveys of Transit Agencies and Bus Manufacturers ." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2008. Uses of Higher Capacity Buses in Transit Service. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13919.
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Suggested Citation:"Appendix A - Surveys of Transit Agencies and Bus Manufacturers ." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2008. Uses of Higher Capacity Buses in Transit Service. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13919.
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Page 61
Page 62
Suggested Citation:"Appendix A - Surveys of Transit Agencies and Bus Manufacturers ." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2008. Uses of Higher Capacity Buses in Transit Service. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13919.
×
Page 62
Page 63
Suggested Citation:"Appendix A - Surveys of Transit Agencies and Bus Manufacturers ." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2008. Uses of Higher Capacity Buses in Transit Service. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13919.
×
Page 63
Page 64
Suggested Citation:"Appendix A - Surveys of Transit Agencies and Bus Manufacturers ." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2008. Uses of Higher Capacity Buses in Transit Service. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13919.
×
Page 64
Page 65
Suggested Citation:"Appendix A - Surveys of Transit Agencies and Bus Manufacturers ." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2008. Uses of Higher Capacity Buses in Transit Service. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13919.
×
Page 65
Page 66
Suggested Citation:"Appendix A - Surveys of Transit Agencies and Bus Manufacturers ." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2008. Uses of Higher Capacity Buses in Transit Service. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13919.
×
Page 66
Page 67
Suggested Citation:"Appendix A - Surveys of Transit Agencies and Bus Manufacturers ." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2008. Uses of Higher Capacity Buses in Transit Service. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13919.
×
Page 67

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61 APPENDIX A Surveys of Transit Agencies and Bus Manufacturers

62 November 2006 USE OF HIGHER CAPACITY BUSES IN TRANSIT SERVICE TCRP SYNTHESIS TOPIC SA-16 QUESTIONNAIRE FOR TRANSIT AGENCIES USING HIGHER CAPACITY BUSES Purpose: The purpose of this survey is to gather information on the use of higher capacity (HC) buses in transit service, as part of a Synthesis of Practice being prepared for the Transportation Research Board. For the purposes of this study, HC buses are defined as vehicles used in public transit service, such as articulated, double-decker, 45-foot, and others that are higher capacity than the standard 40-foot bus. Please note that some transit systems operate more than one type of HC bus. Transit Agency: ________________________________ Date: ______________________________ ______________________________:eltiT:emaNtcatnoC :liaM-E:enohpeleT Size of total active (Non-ADA) fleet Size of Higher Capacity (HC) Fleet(s) ’54rekceDelbuoDscitrA _______ _______ _______ MOTIVATION FOR USE OF HC BUSES Types of Services Using Higher Capacity (HC) Buses: Name of Service (if any) No. of HC Buses Please check all that apply (& type: Artic, DD, 45’) ______________________________________________yadlla—setuorecivresknurT][ [ ] Trunk service—use only in peak service setuor)TRB(tisnarTdipaRsuB][ [ ] Express/long distance commuter routes [ ] Special services (e.g., sports event specials) :rehtO][ What were the primary reasons for implementing HC buses for the above services? Please rank (with 1= most important reason) Please add any comments [ ] Provide increased seating capacity [ ] Increase bus operator productivity [ ] Reduce peak vehicle requirements [ ] Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service egamignitekraM][ trofmocregnessaP][ [ ] Other (Please explain): DEPLOYING HC BUSES In what year were HC buses first deployed into the active fleet of your transit system? Type of HC bus (Artic, DD, 45'): ____________ Year first deployed: ____________ Type of HC bus (if more than one type in fleet): __________ Year first deployed: __________ Do you have different wage rates for operating HC buses? [ ] Yes [ ] No Is the wage differential significant?

63 Were facilities or infrastructure modifications made to accommodate your HC buses? Please check all that apply HC Bus Type (A, DD, 45’) Modifications [ ] Bus stop dimensions [ ] ] [ [ ] On-street parking [ ] ] [ [ ] Roadway [ ] ] [ [ ] Terminals/loops [ ] ] [ [ ] Maintenance shops [ ] ] [ [ ] Wash facilities [ ] ] [ [ ] Fueling facilities [ ] ] [ [ ] Other: [ ] ] [ What was approximate capital cost of modifications? ________________________________________ Were there any legislative/regulatory impediments to the use of HC buses? __________________________________ What actions were taken? _________________________________________________________________________ Are there any internal service restrictions to the use of HC buses (e.g., no standees)? ___________________________ Were actions taken to improve dwell time at stops in order to take advantage of higher capacity buses? Bus stop design/signage Fare collection procedures Wheelchair accommodation Changes to policies/procedures Other: Were changes made to scheduling procedures (e.g., rules, interlining, modifications to scheduling software, etc.)? Please explain: Do you operate a mix of HC buses and standard 40-foot buses on a single route? Yes [ ] No [ ] If so, what approach is taken to the headway design when using buses with different passenger capacities? _________________________________________________________________________________________________

64 VEHICLE FEATURES Are your HC vehicles equipped with special security features (e.g., real-time CCTV monitors for operators)? Do your HC vehicles have special passenger amenities (e.g., Internet access, reclining seats, or luggage racks)? (Please specify type of HC buses and amenities): _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ Are your HC vehicles equipped with bike racks? [ ] Yes [ ] No Restrictions on their use? ____________________________________________________________________________ How are your HC vehicles equipped for passengers with physical disabilities? Type of HC buses (Artic, DD, 45'): ___________ Features (check) Ramp/lift location: [ ] 1st Door [ ] 2nd Door [ ] Other: Wheelchair positions: [ ] 2 Forward-facing [ ] 1 Rear-facing + 1 forward position Type of HC buses (if more than one type in fleet): Features (check) Ramp/lift locations: [ ] 1st Door [ ] 2nd Door [ ] Other: Wheelchair positions: [ ] 2 Forward-facing [ ] 1 Rear-facing + 1 forward position EXPERIENCE WITH HC BUSES Has your experience met your expectations with respect to the above primary objectives? [ ] Yes [ ] No If not, please specify type of HC bus and explain: ________________________________________________________ Has your overall experience with the use of HC buses been? [ ] Very Good [ ] Acceptable [ ] Poor If poor, please specify type of HC bus and explain: Has customer acceptance of the HC buses been: [ ] Very Good [ ] Acceptable [ ] Poor Type of HC bus and features they most like? ____________________________________________________________ Type of HC bus and features they most dislike? Has ridership been measurably increased by the introduction of HC vehicles [ ] Yes [ ] No (excluding any increases in service hours)? Has operator acceptance of the HC buses been: [ ] Very Good [ ] Acceptable [ ] Poor Type of HC bus and features they most like? Type of HC bus and features they most dislike?

65 How has the vehicle operating experience with your HC buses compared to that with your standard 40-foot buses (specify type of HC vehicle)? Type of HC Bus (Artic, DD, 45'): Type of HC Bus: Performance Item Better Same Poorer Unknown Better Same Poorer Unknown Acceleration/ [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] Grade Climbing Road Clearance [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] Turning Maneuverability [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] Fuel Economy [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] Range [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] Reliability [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] Availability [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] Roadcalls [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] How does the HC fleet spare ratio compare to that for 40' buses? rewoL emaS rehgiH Type of HC Bus (Artic, DD, 45'): [ ] [ ] [ ] ] [ ] [ ] [ :suB CH fo epyT What has been your experience in transporting passengers using wheelchairs with your HC buses compared to your rerooP ] [ emaS ] [ retteB ] [ ?sesub toof-04 dradnats Please explain differences: Have there been any major issues or concerns raised by your use of HC buses? (Please indicate type of HC vehicle for which issue applies: A-Artics, DD-Double-deckers, 45') Please rank (with 1 = most important reason) Please add any comments [ ] Capital cost of vehicles [ ] Facility retrofit costs [ ] Operating costs (labor, fuel) [ ] Maintenance costs [ ] Dwell time/fare collection [ ] Accommodation of wheelchairs [ ] Accommodation of bicycles [ ] Safety and security [ ] Vehicle reliability [ ] Winter operations [ ] Operating constraints :rehtO ] [ AVAILABLE INFORMATION ON HIGHER CAPACITY BUS OPERATIONS: Do you track the operations/costs of the HC bus operations separately? [ ] Yes [ ] No Can you provide data on your HC bus operations? (Please check all that apply) ecneirepxe ytefaS ] [ sesub CH ot elbatubirtta stcapmi pihsrediR ] [ sllac daoR ] [ elim ro ruoh elcihev rep stsoc leuf/ecnanetniaM ] [ Did you conduct any pre-deployment feasibility study/business case analysis? [ ] Yes [ ] No Have you conducted any post-deployment evaluations concerning your HC buses? [ ] Yes [ ] No Could you make the above information available for this study? [ ] Yes [ ] No

66 FUTURE PLANS FOR HIGH CAPACITY BUSES Do you have plans to expand the existing HC Bus fleet: [ ] Yes [ ] No Number/type of buses: ___________________________ Do you have plans to deploy a new type of HC bus: [ ] Yes [ ] No Type of HC bus? Number of buses? Type of service? OTHER COMMENTS: If you have any questions, please contact Rolland King at (614) 439-8843 or by e-mail at Rolland D. King: azrdk@yahoo.com. Please return this survey by November 30th to: Rolland D. King E-mail: azrdk@yahoo.com Thank you in advance for your cooperation and participation in this study

67 USE OF HIGHER CAPACITY BUSES IN TRANSIT SERVICE TCRP SYNTHESIS TOPIC SA-16 QUESTIONNAIRE FOR MANUFACTURERS OF HIGHER CAPACITY BUSES Purpose: The purpose of this survey is to gather information on the use of higher capacity (HC) buses in transit service in North America, as part of a Synthesis of Practice being prepared for the Transportation Research Board. For the purposes of this study, HC buses are defined as vehicles used in public transit service, such as articulated, double-decker, and 45-foot buses. Manufacturer: Date: ________________________ Contact Name: Title: E-Mail: Tel.: Fax: Do you manufacture HC buses for the North American transit market? [ ] Yes [ ] No Are you planning to manufacture HC buses for the North American transit market? [ ] Yes [ ] No If “yes” for either question, please complete the remainder of the survey. If “no” for both questions, please return the survey with this information. For each of your HC bus models that are or will be marketed to transit agencies in North America, please provide the information requested in Tables 1 and 2. TABLE 1 PURCHASING STATUS FOR U.S. TRANSIT MARKET Bus Model Altoona Bus Tests Completed (Yes or No) Meets “Buy America” Requirements (Yes or No) Unit Cost Range# (in U.S. dollars) #Do not include costs such as spare parts, delivery, or training. TABLE 2 PURCHASING STATUS FOR CANADIAN TRANSIT MARKET Bus Model Meets Canada Motor Vehicle Regulations (Yes or No) Unit Cost Range# (in Canadian dollars) #Do not include costs, such as spare parts, delivery, or training.

68 ).ged( elgna hcaorppA ).ged( elgna erutrapeD ).ged( elgna revokaerB Turning radius, outside (ft)# Number of passenger doors (1, 2, 3, …) Entrance/exit height at doors (in.)#+ Number of steps to enter/exit (e.g., 1, 2, …) Wheelchair equipment (ramp or lift) Door location(s) of wheel chair equip. (1, 2, …) staes fo rebmun mumixaM seednats fo rebmun mumixaM Gross vehicle weight rating (lb)# Curb weight (lb)# Propulsion options, list all* Engine options (manufacturer and model) #Please indicate if units are in metric. +Please indicate if heights differ for multiple doors. *Diesel (D), Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), Liquid Natural Gas (LNG), Gasoline (G), Hybrid (H), Electric Trolley (ET), or Other (O), please explain. Please provide information on the models that offer additional features (e.g., Bus Rapid Transit features) mentioned in Table 4. TABLE 4 BUS RAPID TRANSIT OPTIONS Model Identification Technology Description )on ro sey( edis rehtie no srood regnessaP Body streamlining (e.g., large curved window, fender skirts, etc.) )on ro sey( ygolonhcet ecnadiug suB )on ro sey( ygolonhcet iFiW )on ro sey( srosnes tops dnilB :nialpxe esaelp ,rehtO If you have any questions, please contact Rolland King at (614) 439-8848 or azrdk@yahoo.com. Please return the completed questionnaire and marketing material by December 8 to: Rolland King 10020 Sandstone Drive Sun City, AZ 85351 Thank you in advance for your time and cooperation by participating in this study. Please provide the information requested in Table 3 for all of your HC buses that are offered to transit agencies. Sales/marketing brochures that contain the requested information may be provided in lieu of filling out Table 3. TABLE 3 TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION OF HIGHER CAPACITY BUSES Model Identification Technical Description Length, not including bumpers (ft)# Width, not including mirrors (in.)# Height (in.)# or forward by e-mail to azrdk@yahoo.com or by FAX to (623) 977-7563.

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TRB's Transportation Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) Synthesis 75: Uses of Higher Capacity Buses in Transit Service explores the use of higher capacity (HC) public transit buses in trunk, express, long-distance commuter, Bus Rapid Transit, and special (e.g., sports and special events) services in North America. For purposes of this study, HC buses included articulated, double-deck, 45-ft, and other buses that have a significant increase in passenger capacity compared with conventional 40-ft buses.

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