19 May 2012
Saturday
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19 May 2012
Saturday
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Learn More Modes Bus Transit Bus Transit
| Bus Transit |
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The use and design of public transport buses varies around the world. The design of buses is often specialized to a particular type of service. Buses may operate on fixed routes, or be used as flexible services. Public buses can be organized in large fleets or as small concerns, and be publicly or privately owned and operated. The transit bus is the predominant design of public bus. Transit buses have utilitarian fittings designed for efficient movement of large numbers of people, and often have multiple doors. A dual purpose bus is a transit bus fitted with coach style higher backed more comfortable seats, used on longer distance routes where standing passengers are not likely to be present. Specially adapted mobility buses may be used on specialist services for the transport of passengers with mobility issues. Mobility buses can be modified with a side or rear wheelchair lift, additional doors, wider doors, or an extendible access ramp. For standard buses, a major part of accessibility is achieved by the low-floor bus design, although for coaches, accessibility is being achieved through wheelchair lifts due to their higher floor level. Easier access for wheelchairs, pushchairs and the elderly can also be achieved through the use of kneeling air suspension and electrically or hydraulically extended under-floor ramps. Other accessibility features include wide entrances and interior gangways for wheelchairs and baby carriages; High capacity bus rapid transit (BRT) services may use the bi-articulated bus, an extension of the articulated bus concept with two trailer sections. BRT schemes (and other uses) may also use tram style buses, which certain bus manufacturers have tried to emulate the tram with modified articulated bus designs, with features such as a 'pilot' style driving position and streamlined styling. Guided buses are fitted with technology to allow them to run in designated guide ways, allowing the controlled alignment at bus stops and less space taken up by guided lanes than conventional roads or bus lanes. Guidance can be mechanical, optical or electromagnetic. Guidance is often, but not exclusively, employed as part of a BRT scheme.What does ridership in Hampton Roads look like?According to a March 2009 study by the Hampton Roads Transportation Planning Organization (HRTPO) entitled "Hampton Roads Congestion Management Process: The State of Transportation in Hampton Roads", "the following mileposts reflect the use of public transportation in Hampton Roads.
Cost of ServiceWhat does it cost Virginia Beach for bus service? Hampton Roads Transit 2009 budget shows Virginia Beach's share for regular and Wave bus service to cost roughly $2.5 million. A detailed breakdown of service costs can be found on page 8 of HRT's 2009 Budget in Brief Document. (Excerpt shown below)  |
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