Bus Systems for the Future : Achieving Sustainable Transport Worldwide

BUS SYSTEMS FOR THE FUTURE: Achieving Sustainable Transport Worldwide

Executive Summary

This book explores how better bus systems can address the pressing issues of urban transportation sustainability. It highlights the potential of "bus rapid transit" (BRT) systems, which offer fast, reliable, and efficient urban travel for large numbers of people. These systems employ high-capacity buses and advanced technologies such as GPS-based tracking, making them highly effective and profitable.

Key Messages

1. Urban Public Transport in Developing Countries: Cities worldwide face significant challenges including traffic congestion, air pollution, and urban sprawl.
2. Why Urban Transit Buses?: Buses are crucial due to their lower energy consumption and reduced emissions compared to private vehicles.
3. Getting Buses Moving: Improving bus systems can significantly reduce traffic congestion and enhance mobility for all social and economic classes.
4. New Bus Technologies: Emerging technologies can drastically reduce emissions and oil use from buses.

Chapter Summaries

1. Introduction

   • Urban Public Transport in Developing Countries: Discusses the potential and problems faced by urban public transport.
   • Why Urban Transit Buses?: Explains the importance of buses in achieving sustainable transport.
   • Getting Buses Moving: Highlights the need for efficient bus systems.
   • New Bus Technologies: Emphasizes the role of advanced technologies in reducing emissions and improving efficiency.
   • Case Studies: Reviews six cities and their efforts to develop sustainable transport systems.

2. Bus Systems

   • Bus Rapid Transit Systems: Describes BRT systems and their benefits.
   • Improving Bus Systems: Outlines potential benefits and management improvements.
   • New Technologies for Bus Systems: Details various technologies and their applications.
   • Affordable Better Buses: Discusses the financial aspects of implementing better bus systems.

3. Bus Technologies and Fuels

   • Diesel Technologies: Explores advancements in diesel engines.
   • Water-in-oil Emulsions: Describes innovative fuel solutions.
   • Biodiesel and Blends: Examines the use of biofuels.
   • Compressed Natural Gas (CNG): Discusses the benefits of CNG.
   • Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG): Analyzes the role of LPG.
   • Dimethyl Ether: Introduces DME as a cleaner alternative.
   • Hybrid-Electric Vehicles: Evaluates the potential of hybrid buses.
   • Fuel-Cell Buses: Discusses the future of fuel-cell technology.
   • Technology Ladder: Summarizes the progression of bus technologies.

4. Bus System Development: Six Case Studies

   • Provides detailed case studies of six cities, showcasing their approaches to sustainable transport.

This book aims to demonstrate how better bus systems and advanced technologies can significantly contribute to achieving sustainable urban transportation worldwide.