The chapter considers the role of urban, inter-urban and rural passenger transport systems and then briefly lists the desirable characteristics of public transport systems, under the headings of convenience, image, information, and security. It is mainly concerned with outlining the principal features of some of the public transport technologies, which currently help to provide good transport systems and to protect the environment. Some simple principles are stated for the location and spacing of bus stops. Bus operation can be improved by providing bus lanes, exclusive busways, and dual-mode guided bus systems. The four main types of tracked systems are light rail transit (LRT), metropolitan railways (metros), suburban railways, and inter-city rail. The operational, vehicle and other characteristics of the first three of these types are compared, as urban modes. Special attention is given to LRT, including LRT vehicle layout and access (including low-floored vehicles) and access to LRT stations. Monorail, including maglev, systems have few urban applications. For inter-city travel, there will be continuing efforts to improve the speed, reliability and quality of service. A wide range of unconventional transport facilities has been introduced in some rural areas, and some examples are listed. For the covering abstract, see IRRD 892228.
Abstract