BRT Vehicles: Latest Technologies and Procurement Trends

BRT Vehicles: Latest Technologies and Procurement Trends

Cliff HenkeSr. Analyst, BRT and Small StartsParsons Brinckerhoff Americas

APTA/TRB BRT Conference, SeattleMay 2009

Cliff HenkeSr. Analyst, BRT and Small StartsParsons Brinckerhoff Americas

APTA/TRB BRT Conference, SeattleMay 2009

Topics TodayTopics Today

What Is A BRT Vehicle? Example Vehicles Projects Market Trends Discussion

What Is A BRT Vehicle? Example Vehicles Projects Market Trends Discussion

What’s A BRT Vehicle? What’s A BRT Vehicle?

New Flyer Invero i40 LF

Irisbus Civis

StandardArtic

Stylized Artic

Specialized

Stylized Std

New Flyer Hybrid Electric DE60LF

NABI CompoBus 45 C LFW

Gillig 40 LF

NABI CNG 60 BRT

The European bus design challengeThe European bus design challenge

Las Vegas Has Led Challenge to U.S. Builders Las Vegas Has Led Challenge to U.S. Builders

Driven by image and BRT needs Driven by image and BRT needs

U.S. Manufacturers Have Responded U.S. Manufacturers Have Responded

Driven by environmental and BRT needs Driven by environmental and BRT needs

North American Vehicles Now with Doors on Both SidesNorth American Vehicles Now with Doors on Both Sides

NABI 60-BRT hybrid demo

New Flyer 60DELFBRT hybrid for Cleveland Health Line

High-Comfort, AmenitiesHigh-Comfort, Amenities

Interior Finish Large Windows Luggage Racks Information Grab Bars

Interior Finish Large Windows Luggage Racks Information Grab Bars

• Rear Window• Multiple Doors• Circulation• Seat Comfort• Fast Securement

Range of BRT Vehicles, CostsRange of BRT Vehicles, Costs

Model Body Type Propulsion Cost (US$)

40-ft. low-floor

Standard Diesel or CNG mech.

$340,000-$380,000

45-ft. low-floor

Stylized Diesel or CNG mech.

$550,000-$720,000

60-ft. low-floor

Standard artic

Diesel or CNG mech.

$480,000-$520,000

60-ft. low-floor

Stylized Diesel or CNG mech.

$650,000-$800,000

60-ft. low-floor

Stylized Hybrid $950,000 +

What Onboard Technologies Are Critical to BRT Success?What Onboard Technologies Are Critical to BRT Success?

BRT System Success Measures

Speed & Capacity

Adv. Propulsion Amenities Styling

Ridership Increase

System Capacity, Travel Time

Capital Savings, Operational Saving

Boarding/Exit Time, Accessibility

Bus Emissions, Noise

Economic Development, Land Use

Convenience/Frequency/Reliability ?

Safety Perception, Cleanliness, Style

Passenger InformationPassenger Information

At StationsLA: Metro Rapid Bus

On BoardParis: Val de Marne Busway

Other Info Technologies Also Have Income StreamsOther Info Technologies Also Have Income Streams

On-Board Wi-Fi (L.A., Miami, various European cities)

On-Board and Station Advertising with Next-Bus Info

“Transit TV”

On-Board Wi-Fi (L.A., Miami, various European cities)

On-Board and Station Advertising with Next-Bus Info

“Transit TV”

Hybrid will surpass CNG for most BRT PropulsionHybrid will surpass CNG for most BRT Propulsion

28% of total will be hybrids

One-third to be CNG (traditional drivetrain)

28% of total will be hybrids

One-third to be CNG (traditional drivetrain)

37%

33%

28%

2%

HybridCNGLNGULSD

37%

33%

28%

2%

HybridCNGLNGULSD

Docking/ Narrow Lane Guidancefor speed/consistencyDocking/ Narrow Lane Guidancefor speed/consistency

Precision Docking—Theory: Speed, consistency can be improved Consistent gap can speed boarding

Same high station/curb height eliminates ramp deploy dwell time

Enables rail-like ADA compliance??

In Practice: Not proven in USA Benefits, cost unclear

Precision Docking—Theory: Speed, consistency can be improved Consistent gap can speed boarding

Same high station/curb height eliminates ramp deploy dwell time

Enables rail-like ADA compliance??

In Practice: Not proven in USA Benefits, cost unclear

• Guidance - high speed in narrow lanes–Shoulder lane ROWs; Narrow bridges; Queue jump lanes

–Inclement weather operations

–Could save in capital cost of projects

BRT Vehicle Demand Growth BRT Vehicle Demand Growth

20% to be 40-45 footers 450 per year, 66% for new services

20% to be 40-45 footers 450 per year, 66% for new services

Source: FTA 2004 Vehicle Demand Survey of 48 cities’ expected BRT bus deliveries over the next 10 years (CALSTART, 2004)

30-35 ft. buses40-45 ft. busesArticulated buses

Projected U.S.

Market for BRT Vehicles

Pace of Technology’s ChangePace of Technology’s Change

The 1990s: Multiple floor heights,

lengths Several fuels (and

aftertreatments) Multiple structures Advanced electronics

(multiplexing, AVL, voice annunciators, AVM, etc.)

The 2000s: Growing use of hybrids Real-time video

surveillance Data logging and

advanced diagnostics Wi-Fi BRT features

The 1990s: Multiple floor heights,

lengths Several fuels (and

aftertreatments) Multiple structures Advanced electronics

(multiplexing, AVL, voice annunciators, AVM, etc.)

The 2000s: Growing use of hybrids Real-time video

surveillance Data logging and

advanced diagnostics Wi-Fi BRT features

I/O Controls’ multiplexing system

The Result: A “Build to Order” MarketThe Result: A “Build to Order” Market

Each order custom Pilot bus Wiring scheme

different Major components

different (even allowed by SBPGs)

Time to market now 18 months—or less

Big reason why OEMs are financially fragile

Each order custom Pilot bus Wiring scheme

different Major components

different (even allowed by SBPGs)

Time to market now 18 months—or less

Big reason why OEMs are financially fragile

“And now you want what?”

Cost of New Technology and Mandates?Cost of New Technology and Mandates?

Small But Important Vehicle Issues to Look for In Authorization, Regulations

Small But Important Vehicle Issues to Look for In Authorization, Regulations

Buy America enforcement Altoona testing waivers Local Preferences (e.g., In State Dealer Reqs. Axle weight loading exemptions Standards incentives/mandates Procurement reforms driven by DOD etc. Funding, Funding and More Funding

Buy America enforcement Altoona testing waivers Local Preferences (e.g., In State Dealer Reqs. Axle weight loading exemptions Standards incentives/mandates Procurement reforms driven by DOD etc. Funding, Funding and More Funding

ConclusionsConclusions

Remember: BRT Is A System of Elements Most Important Vehicle-Related System

Performance Impacts: Capacity Doors/Seat Layout Route Speed (Vehicle and TSP) Route Structure/Convenience Fleet Size = Frequency Vehicle Reliability

Largest System Design Impacts Branding-Related Livery and Interiors Vehicle and Station Styling Information/Ease of Use

Remember: BRT Is A System of Elements Most Important Vehicle-Related System

Performance Impacts: Capacity Doors/Seat Layout Route Speed (Vehicle and TSP) Route Structure/Convenience Fleet Size = Frequency Vehicle Reliability

Largest System Design Impacts Branding-Related Livery and Interiors Vehicle and Station Styling Information/Ease of Use

Questions?Questions?

Thank youThank you