(Blue Diamond Road) Corridor Study - Regional Transportation ...

3. Overview of Transit Modes RTC SR-160 Corridor Study
EXHIBIT 3-1: CAT Conventional Bus Service
3.1.2 Vehicle Characteristics
Because buses operate on rubber tires, they can travel flexibly on many different types of
right-of-way. For this reason, buses are used in a wide variety of operating contexts. This
section describes various characteristics of buses.
Vehicle Configuration
Size
Buses come in a variety of sizes and shapes, but the majority of buses operated in
conventional service fall between 40 and 60 feet. The 40-foot bus is the standard length
for bus transit in the United States, comprising approximately three-fourths of the vehicle
purchases for fixed-route transit service. Recently, manufacturers have developed
elongated versions of the standard-length bus. The 45-foot bus brings added seating and
standing capacity. For services with significant demand, the 60-foot articulated buses are
available. 60-foot buses feature an articulated hinge in the middle of the bus, enabling it to
turn and maneuver in street traffic.
EXHIBIT 3-2: Conventional Bus Size and Capacity
Configuration
Length
(Feet)
Standard 40 (12.2 m)
Width
(inches)
96-102 in
(2.5- 2.6m)
# Door
Channels
# Seats,
including seats
in wheel chair
tie-down areas)
Maximum
Capacity*
(seated plus
standing)
2-3 35-44 50-60
Double-Decker
(14 ft height)
30 - 40
(9.1 - 12.2 m)
96-102 in
(2.5- 2.6m)
2-3 65-74 70 - 88
Extended 45 (13.8 m)
96-102 in
(2.45-2.6m)
2-3 35-52 60-70
3-2