Abstract:
The criteria developed for the selection of demand- responsive transportation (DRT) vehicles, the minibuses that were bought, the innovative design features and the mechanical problems that were encountered are briefly described. The minibus had low steps, was sturdy, and ecologically acceptable (it had a dual fuel system which used natural gas as the regular fuel and gasoline as a backup fuel). The minibus had disc brakes which were an improvement over the standard drum brakes. Innovative features included an exit door at the extreme rear of the right cantilever, perimeter fiber glass seats, no seat legs in the aisle area, removal of tripping hazards, and storage area under the seats. Some of the mechanical problems (short life of brake linings) were the result of crowding 50 people into a 21-seat bus (at noon). Problems were also encountered with the dual fuel engine; stalling, low fuel mileage overheating and radiator troubles were frequent. A preventive maintenance program has been developed: lubricating, oil change, and normal fluid collection and engine check are done every 3,000 miles, and major inspection is performed every 6,000 miles. Specifications have now been developed which provide for substantially larger, heavy duty brake systems and fuel systems for propane gas or other nonfossil fuels.
Supplemental Notes:
Presented at the Fifth Annual International Conference on Demand-Responsive Transportation Systems conducted by the TRB, Nov. 11-13, 1974, Oakland, Calif.; and co-sponsored by American Public Transit Association, California DOT, Alameda-Contra Costa Transit, MIT, UMTA and Technology Sharing Program of U.S. DOT. Distribution, posting, or copying of this PDF is strictly prohibited without written permission of the Transportation Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences. Unless otherwise indicated, all materials in this PDF are copyrighted by the National Academy of Sciences. Copyright © National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.
