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This is Bristol --
BRISTOL could be a leading city in Europe for the latest bus technology, the region's transport leaders were told.
Talks are now in progress with bus operators about the type of vehicle which will be used on the MetroBus system to ease traffic congestion.
The spiralling cost of fuel means it is becoming more commercially viable to look at alternative forms of propulsion instead of diesel engines.
Members of the West of England Partnership's joint transport executive committee decided yesterday that the minimum specification for the network should be a single-seater hybrid – electricity and diesel power – and twin doors to speed up getting on and off a bus.
But Bristol's transport leader Mark Bradshaw said bus manufacture is moving so rapidly that there is scope to look at all the alternatives, including full electric and even hydrogen.
Councillor Bradshaw said: "If we take on board new thinking, we could be a leader in Britain and internationally in the field."
Committee chairman Brian Allinson said it is essential an open mind is kept on the type of bus which is chosen. He said the minimum specification is a starting point in a process which aims to get as many people as possible travelling in safety and comfort and on fast and reliable services.
He said: "The public expects a greater frequency of bus services which increases the potential for fumes and bad air quality."
Single-decker buses have emerged as the initial favourite because there is less dwell time at bus stops and they can be run more frequently.
Double-decker buses are not ruled out but they are not so easy to get on and off because of the upper deck. Bendy buses, as used on two of Bristol's park-and-ride services, rely too much on standing room for passenger capacity and the driver cannot monitor both exits. Streetcars – futuristic-looking bendy buses – are considered too expensive at £320,000 each and can only be built in limited runs to order.
Members gave their approval to changes to one of the three routes – the one from the Long Ashton park-and-ride site to Temple Meads.
It will now run along Cumberland Road instead of in front of the M shed museum.
The changed route is still to be agreed formally by councillors. Reported by This is 8 hours ago.
Clik here to view.
This is Bristol --BRISTOL could be a leading city in Europe for the latest bus technology, the region's transport leaders were told.
Talks are now in progress with bus operators about the type of vehicle which will be used on the MetroBus system to ease traffic congestion.
The spiralling cost of fuel means it is becoming more commercially viable to look at alternative forms of propulsion instead of diesel engines.
Members of the West of England Partnership's joint transport executive committee decided yesterday that the minimum specification for the network should be a single-seater hybrid – electricity and diesel power – and twin doors to speed up getting on and off a bus.
But Bristol's transport leader Mark Bradshaw said bus manufacture is moving so rapidly that there is scope to look at all the alternatives, including full electric and even hydrogen.
Councillor Bradshaw said: "If we take on board new thinking, we could be a leader in Britain and internationally in the field."
Committee chairman Brian Allinson said it is essential an open mind is kept on the type of bus which is chosen. He said the minimum specification is a starting point in a process which aims to get as many people as possible travelling in safety and comfort and on fast and reliable services.
He said: "The public expects a greater frequency of bus services which increases the potential for fumes and bad air quality."
Single-decker buses have emerged as the initial favourite because there is less dwell time at bus stops and they can be run more frequently.
Double-decker buses are not ruled out but they are not so easy to get on and off because of the upper deck. Bendy buses, as used on two of Bristol's park-and-ride services, rely too much on standing room for passenger capacity and the driver cannot monitor both exits. Streetcars – futuristic-looking bendy buses – are considered too expensive at £320,000 each and can only be built in limited runs to order.
Members gave their approval to changes to one of the three routes – the one from the Long Ashton park-and-ride site to Temple Meads.
It will now run along Cumberland Road instead of in front of the M shed museum.
The changed route is still to be agreed formally by councillors. Reported by This is 8 hours ago.
