This report describes how the floor bus system works in achieving easy access for all customers. It is intended to give decision makers guidance on the range of options from which to choose the best solution for local public transport needs. The low floor bus itself is the most important element of this system because there is only a single steop to board: a step of about 320 mm from road level. A kneeling mechanism brings the step down to only about 250 mm from road level. Taking the bus stop as a further component of the system, it is possible to raise the kerb up to 160 to 180 mm, and to achieve virtually level access. Add to the bus a ramp which can be deployed to bridge the gap between bus and pavement and a wheelchair user can easily get aboard unaided. The studies carried out which resulted in this Report demonstrated that the price difference between conventional buses and low floor buses was reducing.
Samenvatting