An Investigation Into Aspects of Bus Design and Passenger Requirements

Abstract

A two part investigation was undertaken by Leyland Vehicles Human Factors Group under contract to the Transport and Road Research Laboratory. Phase 1 of the project covered the physical capabilities of passengers and their design preferences, using a static wooden mock up of a bus floor layout and 200 elderly and disabled subjects. From a questionnaire on problems with bus usage, the height of the first step was identified as the major inhibiting aspect in physically using buses and subsequent tests quantified the capabilities of elderly and disabled subjects for step climbing and handrail use. Other tests within Phase 1 included the measurement of nine major body dimensions, various capability tests for reach, strength and step climbing, seat height, spacing, comfort and position preference, handrail diameter, shape and spacing and entrance configurations of steps and handrails. Phase 2 of the investigation covered five aspects: 1. Doorway handholds: Various designs based on the Phase 1 work were developed and built into a mock up bus entrance. A group of sixty elderly subjects assisted in evaluating these to select the most suitable shape, clearance and surface finish. 2. In the seat: The definition of good or bad journeys, as described by a Journey Quality Index, is related to the distribution of Jerk levels. Analysis of specific vehicle events reveals the area where improvements in vehicle control and driver training would produce better bus journeys. 3. Going to and from the seat: Using a modified Leyland National bus, equipped with an adjustable floor, instrumented stanchions and acceleration measuring equipment, the comfort and ability of standing passengers to remain upright was studied. 4. Step height and retractable step: A retractable step provided a first step height of 185 mm and improved the ease of use by elderly passengers, but did not increase the stationary vehicle time in these trials. 5. Accidents: A study was made of accident data over a period of 12 months by 30 bus operators, covering about 30,000 vehicles in the UK. 56% of the passenger injuries were sustained in non-collision accidents and 43% of these occurred to passengers who were estimated to be over 60 yrs of age.

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