Mass_Transit_June_2021 - 37

studied the effects of a 1.8-mile,
peak hour bus lane installed by
Los Angeles County Metropolitan
Transportation Authority
(L.A. Metro), in partnership with
the Los Angeles Department of
Transportation (LADOT). Although
installed as a temporary
measure to address traffic delays
due to rail station closures, it had
a big impact. Specifically, the research
found:
" [T]he bus lane greatly improved
mobility, accounting for
more than 80 percent of people
moving in the corridor, or
around 10,000 bus riders a day
during the peak-hour period. Person-throughput
increased 37 percent
compared to pre-traffic conditions
with limited reduction of
the capacity in general use lanes
for private vehicles. Two-thirds of
bus customers and two-thirds of
operators reported time savings.
This perceived time savings is
consistent with observed travel
times, which improved up to 30
percent throughout the corridor. "
Keep in mind, this was not
with an automated bus.
Automated buses are ideal for
fixed-route bus systems that operate
50 percent or more of their
route on a dedicated guideway.
These systems tend to have defined
passenger stations, traffic signal
priority and a short headway
providing bidirectional services
during peak hours on weekdays.
For example, the Connecticut
Department of Transportation
(CTDOT) is testing automated
technology on its CTfastrak bus
rapid transit corridor, one of
its most heavily traveled routes
between New Britain and Hartford.
The CTDOT system uses
an express bus lane for its CTfastrak
service, which makes it
a good candidate for automated
bus technology. New Flyer buses
equipped with Robotic Research's
AutoDrive® advanced
driver-assistance
system
are
being placed into service to automate
features such as steering,
which reduces operator stress.
Incorporating a drive-by-wire
system to automate control of
the brakes, steering and throttle
enables automated lane-keeping
that helps drivers keep buses centered
in the lane. This can be a
real stress-reducer for operators
and a technology that makes narrower
lanes more practical.
Connected vehicle communications
also opens new possibilities
to increase passenger
capacity while controlling costs.
Bus platooning, sometimes called
" leader-follower, " can be used to
create bus platoons to increase
capacity during peak times,
New Flyer of America
NEW FLYER'S
Xcelsior CHARGE
AVTM
integrates
advanced driverassistance
systems
technology
to
meet Society
of Automotive
Engineers
Standard J3016
Level 4.
Rehabs Repowers Retroots
Complete Electric Conversions * HVAC Upgrades * Brakes & Suspensions * Interior
Facelifts * Mechanical & Electrical Repairs * Body Work * Fire Damage * Painting &
Decals * Emission Upgrades * Major Collisions * Sales & Leasing * Glass Repairs & More
For more information, visit www.MassTransitmag.com/10065706
JUNE 2021 | MassTransitmag.com | Mass Transit | 37
http://www.completecoach.com http://www.MassTransitmag.com/10065706 http://www.MassTransitmag.com
Mass_Transit_June_2021

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