Can Bus Be the New Tram ?

This paper is produced and circulated privately and its inclusion in the conference does not constitute publication. Abstract The UK currently only has one new light rail (tram) scheme being implemented. By way of contrast, a number of high-quality bus systems have been developed; for example Cambridge and Luton Guided-busways, Thames Gateway Fastrack, Crawley Fastway and 'streetcar' bus operations in York and Swansea. What appears to be emerging is the idea that a high specification bus system can provide a near-light rail performance at a much lower cost. This paper reports systematic research intended to test this hypothesis. A model has been developed, using Reading as a case study, to compare the implementation and operational costs of a comparable light rail and a high-quality guided bus system. The Reading system design is based upon service performance where infrastructure and vehicle specifications for the bus-based system are sufficient to deliver equivalent performance to light rail. Performance equivalence considers the passenger experience and how this is achieved with a fast, reliable service using modern high-capacity vehicles. Equivalence tests address vehicle guidance, capacity and segregation to ensure availability, reliability and identity requirements are met. The results indicate that for an equivalent high quality guided bus system, the overall capital costs are approximately two-thirds of light rail, and operational costs are about the same. Interestingly, using hybrid-engine vehicles, even CO 2 emissions are similar. The flexibility of the bus system can reduce the operational costs and the equivalence can be fine-tuned to reduce the capital costs, but this will have a trade-off with the 'system attractiveness'– because the more the system feels like a tram the more likely people are to use it. The analysis provides support for the continued development of high quality bus schemes in the U.K. in lieu of the more costly light rail schemes. This can also provide the flexibility to demonstrate ridership numbers and the business case for incremental upgrading. There is a current dearth of light rail schemes being implemented in the U.K., only Edinburgh is seeing the development of a new system and this appears to be beset with programme and overspend issues. There are some extension projects, including Nottingham (NET), Birmingham (Midland Metro) and Manchester (Metrolink). Also, a new concept for the U.K. is being promoted by Network Rail (Network Rail, 2009)), who are looking at the conversion of an existing heavy rail route to tram-train …