Articulated Bus

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A typical example of an articulated bus

An Articulated bus is mostly used for public transit and is typically 60 feet (18 meters) long, although sometimes other lengths are available. Due to their increased length, articulated buses are fitted with an extra axle and a pivot (usually located a little behind the middle of the bus). This pivot is generally located behind the second axle.

Bi-articulated buses are to buses that have two pivots. They are usually 80 feet (24 meters) long or more, and are extremely rare. They frequently run on separate roadways (usually auto-guided lanes or a Bus Rapid Transit corridor), however there are cities in Europe that run bi-articulated buses in mixed traffic.

Double-decked articulated buses do exist. The Neoplan Jumbocruiser is a notable example. Built between 1975 and 1992, passengers can only move to the trailing section of this bus via the upper deck - as a result, each section is equipped with separate doors.

Contents

Articulated buses were originally introduced to Canada in 1982 by the Government of Ontario with their "Articulated Bus Demostration Project" that was ran by the Ministry of Transportation and Communications.

Advantages

  1. Stability: articulated buses have better stability than double-decker buses due to a lower centre of gravity.
  2. Lower Height: ideal for places where double-deckers cannot fit under overhead electric wires or because of tunnels or bridges.
  3. Faster Loading/Unloading: more doors can be fitted because of their length.
  4. Maintenance: frequently articulated buses are based on rigid 40' buses, and thus share many components and maintenance techniques.
  5. Better Turning Radius than a 40 foot bus due to the articulated joint. A 60 foot bus may in fact have the turning radius of a 30 or 35 foot bus.

Disadvantages

  1. Engine: some articulated buses use the same engine as non articulated buses. Due to their increased weight, they then have slower acceleration and speed and are not ideal for hill climbing.
  2. Maintenance: the pivot of an articulated bus is a particularly high-stress area, and requires much maintenance.

Models

GMDD

Ikarus

Karosa

  • B741 1991-1996
  • B941 1997-2001
  • C943 1997-2001 Highway coach

MCI

Mercedes-Benz

NABI

Neoplan

New Flyer Industries

CNG:

Diesel:

Diesel-Electric:

Electric (Trolley Bus):

Nova Bus

Prevost

Van Hool

Agencies using articulated buses

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United States Flag of the United States.png

(This list is incomplete)

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Buses
Types Articulated Bus - Bus Rapid Transit - Double Decker Bus - Low Floor Bus - Shuttle Bus - Trolley Bus
Fuel Compressed Natural Gas - Diesel - Diesel-Electric Hybrid - Gasoline - Hydrogen Fuel Cell - Liquified Natural Gas
Manufacturers Alexander Dennis - Blue Bird - ElDorado National - Gillig - Motor Coach Industries - New Flyer Industries - North American Bus Industries - Nova Bus - Orion International - Prevost Car - Setra - Thomas Built Buses - Van Hool
VIN Pages Alexander Dennis - Blue Bird - Champion - Designline - ElDorado National - Flxible - Flyer Industries - General Motors - Gilig - Ikarus USA - Millennium Transit Services - Motor Coach Industries - New Flyer Industries - Neoplan USA - North American Bus Industries - Nova Bus - Optima Bus - Orion Bus Industries - Prevost Car - Setra - TEMSA - Thomas - Transportation Manufacturing Corporation - TransBus International - Van Hool
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