The Evolution Of Bus Design: Bendy Buses' Lengths Explored

Articulated buses, often referred to as 'bendy buses', are extended buses that link two or more sections with pivoting joints to increase passenger capacity. They are approximately 18 metres (60 feet) in length, with an average capacity of 48 seats and standing room for 98 passengers. However, the length of articulated buses can vary, and some bi-articulated buses, also known as 'double bendy buses', can reach up to 25 metres (82 feet) in length, accommodating over 200 passengers. These longer buses are typically used in high-frequency routes or bus rapid transit systems and may operate on separate roadways or in mixed traffic.

Standard city bus length

The standard city bus, typically used for commuter transit, adheres to specific dimensions. These buses usually measure around 45 feet (14 meters) in length, providing ample space to accommodate a large number of passengers. With a width ranging from 8 to 9 feet (95 to 105 inches), standard city buses can efficiently navigate through urban streets, bus routes, and intersections, ensuring smooth bus service.

The average length of a city bus is 39'2" (11.95 meters), with a width of 8'4" (2.55 meters) and a height of 9'10" (2.99 meters). These dimensions allow for a seating capacity of 29, plus one seat for the driver, and standing room for 76 additional passengers. This design ensures that city buses can accommodate rush-hour demands and maximize passenger capacity.

City buses, also known as transit buses, are designed for short to medium-distance trips as part of a publicly scheduled bus service network. They are built with multiple doors, pull cords or stop request buttons, passenger information systems, and low-floor technology to enhance accessibility and efficiency for all passengers. These features make them well-suited for urban environments and safe, reliable public transportation.

Articulated buses, which are longer and have higher passenger capacities, are another option for city transportation. These buses consist of two sections joined by pivoting joints and typically measure around 18 meters (59 feet) in length. They can accommodate 48 seated passengers, plus one driver, and have standing room for 98 people. Articulated buses are often used in high-demand areas during rush hour to manage heavy commuter traffic.

Overall, the standard city bus length is an essential aspect of urban transportation, balancing passenger capacity and comfort while efficiently navigating city streets to provide a seamless transit experience for commuters.

Articulated bus design

An articulated bus, also known as a bendy bus, is a type of vehicle used in public transportation. It is typically a single-decker bus with two or more rigid sections linked by pivoting joints, allowing for a longer legal length and higher passenger capacity than rigid-bodied buses. The average length of an articulated bus is 59 feet (18 meters), with a width of 8.33 feet (2.55 meters), a height of 10.33 feet (3.13 meters), and a capacity of 48 (+1) seats with standing room for 98 passengers.

The design of articulated buses focuses on maximizing efficiency and passenger capacity. The pivoting joints enable the bus to maneuver effectively despite its length. They usually have a forward section with two axles leading a rear section with a single axle. Some articulated buses have a steering arrangement on the rear axle, allowing for tighter turns.

Articulated buses are commonly used in bus rapid transit schemes due to their high passenger capacity. They can also include mechanical guidance and are typically about 18 meters long, in contrast to standard rigid buses, which range from 36 to 46 feet (11 to 14 meters) in length.

A less common variant is the bi-articulated bus, which has two trailer sections instead of one, resulting in a capacity of around 200 passengers and a length of about 82 feet (25 meters). These buses are primarily used on high-capacity, high-frequency routes and bus rapid transit services.

Articulated buses can be designed as single-deck or double-decker buses to further increase passenger capacity. They usually feature multiple doors to facilitate rapid boarding and disembarkation, and they may have low-entry designs and wheelchair ramps to improve accessibility.

Overall, the articulated bus design emphasizes efficiency, high passenger capacity, and maneuverability, making them suitable for mass rapid bus transit systems.

Bi-articulated bus capacity

A bi-articulated bus, also known as a double-articulated bus, train-bus, tram-bus, trackless tram, or double bendy bus, is a type of high-capacity articulated bus with an extra axle, a second articulation joint, and an extended length. These buses are typically employed in high-frequency core routes or bus rapid transit (BRT) schemes.

The first bi-articulated bus was presented in China in 1960 by the Chengdu Bus Factory, with a capacity of over 300 passengers. However, it did not enter mass production due to technological limitations and a lack of support from associated industries. In 1983, the Shenyang Bus Factory in China developed a 22.7-metre-long bi-articulated bus with a nominal capacity of 280 passengers and a maximum capacity of 350.

Bi-articulated buses typically have a length of about 25 metres (82 feet) and can carry around 200 passengers. However, some bi-articulated buses can be longer, such as the Volvo Gran Artic 300, which is 30 metres (98 feet) long and can carry up to 300 passengers. These buses are well-suited for high-capacity routes and BRT systems.

One example of a successful implementation of bi-articulated buses is in Curitiba, Brazil, where the transit system has used these buses since 1992. Curitiba's bi-articulated buses, manufactured by Volvo, can carry up to 270 passengers and are equipped with five doors for quick loading and unloading. The city has over 170 of these buses in operation, serving five main corridors of dedicated bus lanes.

Bi-articulated buses offer increased passenger capacity compared to conventional buses, making them suitable for high-frequency routes and BRT systems. However, they also come with challenges, such as difficulties in manoeuvring and increased turning radius.

Double-decker articulated buses

The average articulated bus is about 59 ft (18 m) long, 8 ft 2 in (2.5 m) wide, and 13 ft (4 m) tall, with a capacity of up to 170 passengers. They usually feature multiple doors for quick boarding and disembarkation, and their lower centre of gravity provides greater stability and a smaller turning radius compared to double-decker buses.

The Neoplan Jumbocruiser is an example of a double-decker articulated bus built by Neoplan Bus GmbH between 1975 and 1992. It measures 59 ft (18 m) in length, 8 ft 2 in (2.5 m) in width, and 13 ft (4 m) in height, with a capacity of 170 passengers. However, it never entered full-scale production.

Bi-articulated buses, also known as double-articulated buses or "double bendy buses", are a type of high-capacity articulated bus with an extra axle, a second articulation joint, and extended length. They are typically employed on high-frequency core routes or bus rapid transit services. These buses can carry around 200 passengers and have a length of about 82 ft (25 m).

In summary, double-decker articulated buses offer increased passenger capacity while maintaining manoeuvrability, and they are a common choice for mass rapid bus transit systems. The Neoplan Jumbocruiser is an example of such a bus, but it never entered widespread production. For even higher capacities, bi-articulated buses with two trailer sections provide seating for approximately 200 passengers and are used on high-capacity routes and bus rapid transit services.

Bus rapid transit schemes

A bendy bus is a colloquial term for an articulated bus, which has an average length of 18 metres (59 feet). These buses are designed to meet higher passenger capacities while still allowing the bus to manoeuvre appropriately.

Bus rapid transit (BRT) is a high-capacity urban public-transit system with its own right of way, vehicles at short headways, platform-level boarding, and pre-ticketing. BRT systems are designed to have much more capacity, reliability, and other quality features than a conventional bus system.

BRT systems typically include the following features:

• Dedicated lanes and alignment: Bus-only lanes ensure faster travel and that buses are not delayed by mixed traffic congestion.
• Off-board fare collection: Fare payment at the station instead of on the bus eliminates delays caused by passengers paying on board.
• Bus priority, turning, and standing restrictions: Prohibiting turns for traffic across the bus lane and giving priority to buses at intersections reduce delays.
• Platform-level boarding: Station platforms level with the bus floor allow for quick and easy boarding, making the system accessible for wheelchairs, disabled passengers, and those with strollers.
• High-capacity vehicles: High-capacity vehicles such as articulated or bi-articulated buses with multiple doors are used for fast entry and exit.

BRT systems offer a sustainable and economical solution to transportation problems, particularly in developing cities. They are more cost-effective than metro or light rail systems and can be implemented much more quickly. BRT systems have seen substantial growth worldwide, with China leading the way, adding thousands of kilometres of BRT in the last decade.

• The world's first BRT system was the Runcorn Busway in Runcorn New Town, England, which opened in 1971.
• The second BRT system was implemented in Curitiba, Brazil, in 1974, inspired by the previous transport system of the National Urban Transport Company of Peru.
• TransMilenio in Bogotá, Colombia, which opened in 2000, combined the best elements of Curitiba's BRT with other advancements, achieving the highest capacity and speed in the world.
• TransJakarta in Jakarta, Indonesia, is currently the largest BRT network globally, with about 251.2 kilometres of corridors.
• The UK has several past, present, and planned BRT schemes, including the Luton to Dunstable Busway, Cambridgeshire Guided Busway, and the West Midlands Sprint.

BRT schemes provide a fast, comfortable, and cost-effective solution to urban transportation, offering metro-level capacities and improved reliability for passengers.

Frequently asked questions