Quality improvement of surface transportation by means of low-floor buses, when feasible due to legal background, political decisions and/or financing capabilities, arises a series of questions to be faced and solved by the transportation companies. Operating criteria, comfort improvement, time reduction if any, servicing and maintenance, have to be defined, checked and controlled in an environment which is becoming increasingly sensitive in any respect. This paper deals with the own characteristics of these aspects in Barcelona, where besides the needs of local population, the particular needs originated by the Olympic Games 1992 and especially by the Paralimpics, to be held shortly afterwards, strengthen the requirements put to their efficiency. (A)
Abstract