Dwell‐Time Effects of Low‐Floor Bus Design

Abstract

The low‐floor bus design is generally recognized as an effective tool for serving the population of transit passengers with disabilities. This design, in which the main platform is reached with a single step from curb level, is evaluated here for its potential to reduce dwell times of buses in regular service with regard to the nondisabled population as well. Three data sources were developed in cooperation with the Ann Arbor (Michigan) Transportation Authority; a regular service sample in which the full range of fare‐payment media was used, a special shuttle sample, in which all fares were prepaid, and a limited wheelchair trial. Descriptive analysis of the data as well as multiple regression modeling indicate dwell‐time savings accruing to the low‐floor bus design overall. Ranges of potential savings by passenger type and fare payment media are also estimated. The study concludes that exclusive of benefits in wheelchair passenger boarding times, the low‐floor design may shorten general passenger boarding and alighting time by 13–15%.