According to Topekametro.com, in 2011, Americans took 10.2 billion trips on public transportation vehicles. More and more people are opting for public transit option to meet their daily mobility needs whether it is for going to school, for shopping, doctor’s clinic or visiting family and friends. The use of public transit vehicles reduces the usage of oil, the level of pollution and congestion on the roads. The US public transportation systems comprise of buses, trolleybuses, trams and trains, rapid transit and ferries and is widely used by the public. These vehicles are cheaper modes of travel, less energy intensive and safe modes of transportation. Let’s look at some basic features of Public Transit Vehicles.
Types and Features of Public Transit Vehicles in the US
Public transportation is a highly popular mode of traveling in the US mainly because of its low costs and high convenience. While the public transport between different cities is dominated by options like airlines and intercity rail services it is the buses, trolley buses and trams that form the framework of public transportation system within a city. Although public transit vehicles are used for providing shared transportation services, they are different from taxi cabs or car pooling as they allow strangers to travel together by paying a particular fee or buying a ticket. Such vehicles are generally run by the local transport authorities on a scheduled time table and on specific routes.
While buses and vans are the most commonly used vehicles for public transportation system, many cities have also opted for trolley buses which are electric buses employing overhead wires for traction.
Some basic features of public transit vehicles are:
- Seating capacity for several people ranging from 15 to 50
- Comfortable seats to allow passengers to relax
- Large doors that facilitate quick boarding and exiting
- A counter or smart card box for buying tickets
- Heating and air conditioning systems
- Ample headroom and aisle passage to allow easy movement of passengers
- A separate luggage compartment in case of vehicles running on long distance routes
- Video and audio facilities to keep the passengers especially if the journey time is a little long
- Flexible design with Wheel chair lifts or Wheel chair tie downs if the transit vehicle is operating on a route connecting a hospital or an airport
- Strong and sturdy structure to ensure comfortable and smooth journey
- Beautiful and sophisticated interiors
- Alternative fuel arrangements like dedicated propane, hybrid propane, CNG and electric hybrids conforming to a transit authority’s requirements
- Toilets in case the vehicle is running on long distance routes.