Transit Elevated Bus (TEB)
Contents |
[edit] Concept
In August 2016, a futuristic public transport solution, the Transit Elevated Bus (TEB), began being tested in Qinhuangdao, China.
Chinese company Shenzhen Huashi Future Parking Equipment proposed the innovative design as a way of addressing the problem of congestion caused by rapid urbanisation and population growth of many of China's cities.
The TEB is a bus that straddles traffic by driving over the top of it, running along fixed tracks. Its main compartment is elevated, leaving the street clear for cars underneath. The design also incorporates solar panels on the roof and at bus stops to partially power the vehicle.
The vehicles could be capable of holding up to 1,200 passengers each and travel at 40 m/h (60 km/h). Designers estimate that the vehicles could reduce traffic congestion on main roads by 25-30%. They also highlight the relative affordability of the system - the construction cost of one TEB and 25 miles of route facilities is estimated at around $7.4 m, one-tenth the cost of building the same length of subway line.
Youzhou Song, the vehicle’s designer said: “The straddling bus could replace up to 40 conventional buses, potentially saving the 860 tons of fuel that 40 buses would consume annually, and preventing 2,640 tons of carbon emissions.”
[edit] Prototype
When the designs were first proposed many around the world greeted them with scepticism, however, testing on a prototype began in August 2016. The bus measures 22 m in length x 7.8 m wide (72 ft x 25 ft),
The testing is taking place on 300 metre-long test track, evaluating the braking system, drag and power consumption. Once complete, it will progress on to further testing stages.
But the TEB isn’t ready to deal with competing traffic just yet. For now, the TEB is limited to a 300 meter long test track that will evaluate the braking system, drag and power consumption. Once complete, the straddling bus will move on to further testing stages.
Despite being an unproven solution, countries such as Brazil, France and India have expressed their interest in introducing TEBs of their own.
[edit] Updates
In June 2017, the Chinese press reported that the idea of TEB as a mass-transport system had been abandoned.
Having had a prototype developed, reports suggest that those who tested it were left underwhelmed, with some saying that it ran too slowly and became overheated.
Other issues that have been cited for the scrapping of the elevated bus include the way it interacts with other vehicles, particularly those fitted with roof-racks, and other features of the city environment, such as low bridges.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Top 50 firms awarded 52bn of projects in the last year
New engineering data shows.
Enhancing construction site reporting efficiency
Through digitisation and the digital revolution.
Noise in the built environment
BSRIA guide TG 20/2021.
17,000 people suffer conditions as a result of exposure to excessive noise at work.
Turning down the noise: Auditory health
A pervasive risk with far-reaching consequences.
UK Construction Week, London is here !
Debuting major international pavilions and much more.
Getting the most out of heat pumps and heating
How heat pumps work and how they work best.
Plumbing and heating for successful retrofit and renovation
Low temperature underfloor systems and heat pumps.
Cost-of-living crisis and home improvement plans
Starting on the right footing and top tips for projects.
Delays on construction projects
Types, mitigation and the acceleration of works.
From Chaucer to Fawlty Towers.
Electrotechnical excellence, now open for entries.
Net zero electricity grids BSRIA guide NZG 5/2024
Outlining the changes needed to transition to net zero.
CIOB Global Student Challenge 2024
Universitas Indonesia wins for second year running.
ECA 2024 Apprentice of the Year Award
Entries open for submission until May 31.