magazine 2010/3 - Mercedes-Benz UK

12 Transport of the Future Omnibus 3·2010
Emblematic of the city
In France, the “Bus à Haut Niveau de Service” (BHNS) concept is a cornerstone of public transport infrastructure in many
towns and cities. The romantic-sounding name embodies a simple yet remarkable idea.
THE BHNS CONCEPT seeks to combine the
benefits of tram and bus transportation in an
efficient way. The idea stems from an initiative
by GART, the association of local public
transport authorities in France. In France as
elsewhere, funding for local public transport,
to build new and develop existing road-tram
systems, is no longer as widely available as
it once was. Maintaining and enhancing the
attractiveness of local public transport over
the long term is a key aspect of the debate surrounding
urbanisation and harmonisation of
towns and cities in France.
The declared aim of the BHNS concept is
to enhance mobility based on a coherent
approach, developing the infrastructure, vehicle
fleet, operations and services offered in a
unified way, but differentiated with regard to
each operator. Despite many common factors
nationally, France has no unified bus-based
mobility concept. Looking at the existing
services on offer, it is clear that all of them
GLOBAL SUPPORT
The Brazilian city of Curitiba introduced a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)
system as far back as 1972. Since that time, cities all over the world
have been employing a variety of approaches in pursuit of a single goal:
to improve their service offer, including an attempt to approach the
quality standards of rail-borne local public transport systems while
at the same time achieving significant cost savings. But it is not only
in major international cities with multi-million populations such as
Los Angeles (USA), Bogota (Colombia), Curitiba (Brazil), Guayaquil
(Equador), Jakarta (Indonesia), Lagos (Nigeria), Adelaide (Australia),
Istanbul (Turkey) and Guangzhou (China) that BRT systems are a viable
solution. In France, the city of Nantes has impressively demonstrated
that the concept can also be successfully implemented in smaller
settings. With a tailored design, it can be integrated perfectly into
any cityscape. Daimler Buses has established a team of experts to
provide assistance and support in introducing and advancing such
systems worldwide.
have devised their solutions with differing
objectives and meeting differing requirements.
In terms of infrastructure, tried and
proven methods are proving most popular.
A number of French cities have installed –
or are planning to install – primary axis routes
for their public transport systems, served by
attractive articulated buses running at high
frequencies. Separate lanes kept apart from
the rest of the traffic and easy-access entrylevel
stops are employed to speed up services.
Off-board ticketing and access controls help
cut stopping times, while an intelligent computerised
traffic management program provides
for highly flexible control of the overall
system.
The customer-friendliness and enhanced
service offered by the BHNS concept is
reflected not only in visually appealing, easyto-read
timetables and a simplified fares system.
The vehicle design and outfitting, especially,
are intended to convey the operators’
The Citeo provides plenty
of interior space and
a pleasant ambience.
The 3D panoramic
ceiling offers a varying
imagescape.
The vehicle incorporates
a dynamic passenger
management system,
which can be linked to
existing ticketing and
telematics systems.
respect for their customers. The Mercedes-
Benz Citeo offered them a high-quality solution.
Its design makes an unmistakable statement:
eye-catching, appealing and innovative.
Fully in keeping with the high standards of
the BHNS concept.
A tailored solution, but based on a tried and
proven foundation
Despite all its individuality, the exterior and
interior design of the Citeo remains true to
one key principle: form follows function. And
in line with the philosophy, that means individuality,
high quality and everyday practicality.
The large, smooth side surfaces, with the
tinted glass windows and the harmoniously
roof-integrated mountings, imbue the vehicle
with a look which is immediately symbolic of
the BHNS concept.
The Citeo is a stand-alone development,
but employing many components of the
Mercedes-Benz scheduled service bus kit.