by Susan on June 19, 2013
A new technology that recharges batteries in 15 seconds will allow electric buses to operate in urban areas without overhead wires. Developed by the Switzerland-based ABB Group, the flash-charging technology will be tested on an electric bus that runs between the Geneva airport and the city’s exhibition center Palexpo.
“Through flash charging, we are able to pilot a new generation of electric buses for urban mass transport that no longer relies on overhead lines,” said Claes Rytoft, ABB’s acting chief technology officer, in a statement. “This project will pave the way for switching to more flexible, cost-effective, public transport infrastructure while reducing pollution and noise.”
ABB is working together with Geneva’s public transportation operator TPG, the Office for the Promotion of Industries and Technologies, and the city’s power utility SIG on the Trolleybus Optimisation Système Alimentation (TOSA) electric bus system pilot project.
TOSA is a zero-carbon-emission solution that uses electricity from clean hydro power. Onboard batteries can be charged in 15 seconds with a 400 kilowatt boost at selected stops. At the end of the bus line a 3-4 minute boost recharges the batteries. The system uses a laser-controlled moving arm, which connects to an overhead receptacle for charging at bus shelters, instead of trolley poles, which allows vehicles to operate in densely developed urban areas where overhead lines would be undesirable.
Photo source: ABB
by Susan on June 19, 2013
The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (CA) deployed the first of 62 new low-floor biodiesel-electric hybrid buses at a ceremony on Monday.
“Mechanical vehicle issues are a significant cause of system delays on Muni,” said Ed Reiskin, SFMTA director of transportation, in a statement. “These new buses serve as another investment in Muni’s future and the future of transportation in our City. Improving existing service will not only enhance our current customers’ experience, but it helps further our commitment to San Francisco’s Transit First policy by attracting new riders.”
Unfortunately, as the San Francisco Chronicle wrote, “Muni just can’t catch a break.” At the press event, a new hybrid was ready to transport local officials on an inaugural ride to city hall. Until the driver couldn’t start the bus. After some scrambling, passengers boarded a second bus for an uneventful ride. The problem, said spokesman Paul Rose, resulted from back door sensors that incorrectly detected an open door. The problem was quickly fixed. “Rest assured, our passengers will not have to deal with this issue out on the roads,” he said.
The New Flyer buses feature digital voice announcements, graffiti-resistant seating material, LED lighting inside and out, a contactless rear door system, and exterior buttons that allow customers to open the back doors to board. Each hybrid is equipped with nine surveillance cameras. Staff will be able to review, investigate and download data from a moving or stationary vehicle within the WiFi catchment area and auto-archive relevant information.
To expedite the purchasing process, SFMTA joined a current, competitively bid vehicle contract with the State of Minnesota. The vehicles specified under the Minnesota contract were modified for San Francisco’s operating conditions and high passenger loads. The total vehicle cost will be approximately $33.8 million or $752,000 per vehicle and is funded through federal, state, and local support.
Photo credit: Gary Soup/Flickr
by Susan on June 18, 2013
Every subway rider has ideas for improving the system, but one New York design student did something about it. Randy Gregory is a student at the School of Visual Arts and as part of his graduate work he is posting 100 ideas for improving the subway — one day at a time.
“Since I ride the subway so much, it kind of made sense for me to think about ways to improve the experience,” he says. He is posting the suggestions at improvesubway.tumblr.com. Ideas cover all aspects of passenger information, comfort, and safety; here’s a sampling:
- Real-time crowding information based on the weight of cars (#38).
- Protective barriers and doors at platform edges (#37).
- Animated ads on trains (#33).
- More security cameras (#32).
- Add textured grips to the subway railings (#42).
- Add portable cooling stations to major stations (#40).
- WiFi on trains (#26).
- Install solar panels on outside stations (#49).
“So many millions of people use the subway every day, and we are in New York, the greatest city in the world,” Gregory says. “So there have to be things we can improve here.”
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is already working on some of his ideas, such as introducing touchscreen information panels at stations. Others — like adding odor detectors to trains — are probably long shots. But Gregory is not deterred. “The idea is that I try to present an idea, then that idea could lead to cheaper solutions, lead to other ideas,” he says.
The MTA says it is happy to hear Gregory’s ideas — he is about two-thirds of the way through his project — and he has already been invited to a meeting. Link to full story in NY1.
Photo credit: Metropolitan Transportation Authority/Patrick Cashin via MTAPhotos/Flickr
by Susan on June 17, 2013
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority unveiled its new emergency training center last week. The $10 million facility, funded by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, is designed to help first responders learn how to address transit-related emergencies.
Located in an unused streetcar tunnel adjacent to the Broadway Red Line station, the facility has separate areas for bus, light rail, and heavy rail. Training staff will be able to simulate the impacts of a tunnel fire, shooting rampage, medical emergency, or terrorist attack. “The sense of realism here is very high,” said Randy Clarke, senior director of security and emergency management. “You can quickly get someone in the amped-up feeling of being in a live situation, versus being in a classroom.”
Sound effects include explosions, gunshots, and screams; each of the training vehicles has smoke machines. Surveillance cameras allow supervisors to watch the emergency response via complete screens and from behind one-way mirrors. “It’s kind of like we’ve turned it into Disneyland for first responders,” Clarke said.
The facility will also be available for non-emergency training purposes, including travel training for passengers with disabilities. Link to full story in The Boston Globe.
Photo credit: Susan Mara Bregman
