The City and County of Swansea in partnership with FirstGroup has developed proposals for a 'Bus Rapid Transit' system for Swansea. The bus vehicleis articulated, and aims to offer a tram-like operation to potential passengers. A prototype is in operation. The Bus Rapid Transit system is termed as Swansea Metro, and consists of the following elements: On-Street Infrastructure: Priority vehicle infrastructure along the 15km Metro corridor,consisting of priority measures and busways (with operational qualities similar to tramways). The Vehicle: An articulated bus vehicle, termed as StreetCar, with the appearance and general qualities of a tram - but runningon-street on rubber tyres, not a fixed track. Fast automated ticketing system: Automatic ticket machines both on and off-vehicle are proposed. Enhanced waiting facilities: Bus stop waiting facilities will need to be of a high quality, incorporating Real Time Passenger Information and high specification bus shelters. First Group are responsible for developing the vehicle and associated ticketing systems. Arup is undertaking design of infrastructure on behalf of the City & County of Swansea. Detailed investigations of junction capacity have been undertaken. The whole of the proposed central area 'one-way system' has been modelled using micro-simulation techniques (using VISSIM). Capacity tests indicate that the proposed infrastructure will accommodate StreetCar movements and existing traffic, pedestrian and cycle movements. For the covering abstract see ITRD E135582.
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