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
The Community Housing Fund and built affordable homes
CLTN reviews the impact of the Fund and calls for extension.
The grading system of the Regulator for Social Housing
A background, an explanation and ten recent enforcements.
Construction, repair and maintenance. Book review.
Putting new life into a city with a 1900 year history.
BSRIA Briefing 2024: Sustainable Futures speakers
Redefining Retrofit for Net Zero Living 22 Nov.
Wall of support for post-Grenfell regulation of electricians
Call for a shake-up of the construction industry highlighted on radio.
Digital sustainability through future AEC tools
Bringing together industry and academia to meet challenges.
Skills gap for net zero highlighted to Minister for Industry
ECA convenes roundtable discussion at Portcullis House.
Evidencing Net Zero with the new UK buildings standard
Pilot version with detailed excel proforma out now!
Scottish Building Safety Levy, in consultation
From direct remediation and the RPDT, to the costs and alternatives.
Waves of warmer homes grants for the rental sector
Boosting energy efficiency standards for all rented homes.
A refocus of the National Planning Policy Framework
Key terms described in brief, as the consultation closes the evening of the 24th.
Fortified farmhouses of the unruly 16th-and 17th-century borders.
ECA shares advice for those who may be exposed to risks.
How to revolutionise UK housing with MMC
CIC and Supply Chain Sustainability School unveil a plan.
From the UKs largest manufacturer and supplier of lime.
From mud bricks to smart concrete
A brief history from 7000BC to a future on the moon.