OPERATION OF ELECTRIC BUSES IN URBAN AREAS

This paper discusses two areas where the performance and travel range of battery powered buses can be optimised: (I) public transport priority traffic management schemes and (II) more efficient power sources. An analysis of the bus journeys on a radial route into Edinburgh showed that buses do not spend much time at their cruising speed. It was shown that the introduction of bus lanes had minimal impact on the effect of key obstacles such as traffic lights and bus stops. The situation could be improved by reducing the number of bus stops and extending bus lanes up to traffic lights using detectors to give bus priorities. At present, the low energy density of batteries presents a problem but it is possible that sodium/sulphur batteries will meet the criteria for successful economic operation. Dual-mode systems, such as trolley/battery, trolley/diesel or diesel/battery may also be suitable for present applications. (TRRL)