Benefits and characteristics of public transport vehicles

According to Topekametro.com, in 2011, Americans made 10.2 billion trips in public transportation vehicles. More and more people are turning to the public transportation option to meet their daily mobility needs, whether it’s going to school, shopping, going to the doctor’s office, or visiting family and friends. The use of public transport vehicles reduces the use of oil, the level of pollution and congestion on the roads. US public transportation systems include buses, trolley buses, streetcars and trains, rapid transit, and ferries and are widely used by the public. These vehicles are cheaper modes of transport, less energy intensive and safe modes of transport. Let’s look at some basic characteristics of public transport vehicles.

Types and characteristics of public transportation vehicles in the US

Public transportation is a very popular mode of travel in the US, primarily due to its low costs and high convenience. Although public transport between different cities is dominated by options such as airlines and intercity rail services, it is buses, trolleybuses and trams that form the framework of the public transport system within a city. While public transportation vehicles are used to provide shared transportation services, they are different from taxis or shared vehicles in that they allow strangers to travel together by paying a particular fare or by purchasing a ticket. Such vehicles are generally driven by local transportation authorities on a scheduled time and on specific routes.

While buses and vans are the most widely used vehicles for the public transportation system, many cities have also opted for trolleybuses, which are electric buses that use overhead cables for traction.

Some basic characteristics of public transport vehicles are:

• Seating capacity for several people from 15 to 50
• Comfortable seats to allow passengers to relax
• Large doors for quick boarding and departure
• A smart card counter or box to buy tickets.
• Heating and air conditioning systems
• Ample head and aisle room to allow easy passenger movement.
• A separate boot for vehicles traveling on long-distance routes
• Video and audio facilities to keep passengers, especially if the travel time is a bit long.
• Flexible design with wheelchair lifts or wheelchair tie-downs if the transit vehicle is operating on a route connecting a hospital or airport.
• Strong and sturdy structure to ensure a comfortable and smooth ride.
• Beautiful and sophisticated interiors
• Alternative fuel arrangements such as dedicated propane, hybrid propane, CNG, and electric hybrids that meet the requirements of a transit authority
• Toilets in case the vehicle is traveling on long-distance routes.