Intermediate Bus Systems: 'Is there a Market?'

This paper describes how, over the last five years, Public Transport has experienced new types of transport systems: modern trams, CNG and hybrid buses. During that same time, local or central government funding seems incompatible to fulfill the demand of extensive transport schemes that are needed to fight urban congestion and improve transport efficiency. The intermediate systems explore both topics: a new generation of vehicles operated as a proper transport system project for a limited capital investment. Based on the experience of Irisbus with Civis, Cristalis and guided buses, the author will address in this paper the following issues: passenger expectations, branding, image of tram vs. bus, typical transport projects, transport capacity, phasing, electric and thermal powered vehicles, guidance and homologation, role of operators and drivers.