00803911

Component

https://doi.org/10.3141/1731-06

http://scholar.google.com....+Lu&publication_year=2000

The traction performance of transit and paratransit vehicles during the winter is an important factor in public transportation system operations. Vehicle traction forces are significantly reduced on snowy or icy surfaces, specifically during stopping, starting, cornering, and hill climbing. Reduced traction increases stopping distances and decreases controllability when a vehicle stops in an emergency situation. This study evaluated the traction performance of transit and paratransit vehicles on snowy and icy surfaces. Field tests were conducted in Fairbanks, Alaska, using three types of vehicles--a 41-passenger transit bus, a 32-passenger transit bus, and a 9-passenger paratransit vehicle. Each vehicle was tested for different combinations of tire types, including highway tires, snow tires, studded-siped tires, highway three-rib tires, all-season tires, and snow-siped tires. Tests of winter traction performance evaluated stopping distance, starting traction, hill climbing, cornering, and controllability. For similar tire combinations and surface conditions, the tested transit and paratransit vehicles had different traction performance. Results indicate that winter traction performance is significantly influenced by vehicle type, tire combination, and road surface (compacted snow or ice). Research findings and recommendations for tire combinations best suited for winter traction are presented.

This paper appears in Transportation Research Record No. 1731, Transit: Bus Transit and Maintenance; Rural; Paratransit; Technology; Capacity and Quality of Service.

English

p. 40-50

2000

Transportation Research Record

0309067383

Figures (8) ; References (8) ; Tables (6)

Field tests; Icy roads; Paratransit vehicles; Snow; Snow tires; Steering; Stopping distances; Studded tires; Tires; Traction; Transit buses; Vehicle performance; Winter

All season tires; Controllability; Hill climbing; Three-rib tires; Tire combinations

Fairbanks (Alaska)

Highways; Public Transportation; Vehicles and Equipment

TRIS, TRB

Dec 15 2001 12:00AM

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