EXPERIENCE OF STREET LEVEL ACCESS TO BUSES IN THE FRENCH CITY OF CAEN

This paper describes a pilot experiment on low-floor buses and elevated bus-stop platforms in Caen, France, and analyses its commercial implications. The Setra Kassbohrer S300 low-floor bus was used, two of whose three doors have no inner step. A prototype platform, 28cm above the road, was used, with a bus docking aid, to make access easy for passengers in wheelchairs. The experiment was launched in March 1992 on one bus route, three of whose stops were modified; five buses were used. A field survey was conducted, aiming to: (1) observe passenger flows; (2) record approach and stopping times; and (3) measure gaps between bus and kerb. 17 bus drivers completed a questionnaire, and six of them were also interviewed. They agreed that the concept was useful, and hoped to see many more low-floor buses and raised platforms, but they made several criticisms of specific details of the pilot system. Passengers also widely appreciated the street-level platforms, and most local people favoured the trial's concept. The implementation of the system should allow bus-stop operating conditions to be optimised, and help to implement interchanges between bus stops and tramways. There should be benefits for disabled people and passengers in general. For the covering abstract see IRRD 869445.