Better bus systems

Modern urban transportation problems, including sprawl and traffic congestion, demand solutions. Buses are versatile and still offer the most balanced traffic option.

The EU-funded project 'The intelligent, innovative, integrated bus systems' (3IBS) aimed to improve urban bus systems' performance, accessibility and efficiency. The 11-member project drew upon developments from an earlier EU project (EBSF, 2008-2013), while also helping to fulfil European Commission objectives for quality public transport. The project targeted seven areas of bus system operations: accessibility and safety, service during special events, intermodality, level of service, modularity, sustainability and information technology standardisation. The project ran between October 2012 and March 2015.

Team members used case studies to link research concepts with good practice implementation. The research involved comparing more than 30 solutions from various countries, and yielded guidelines for public transportation. The review also suggested opportunities for standardisation and further research.

The consortium questioned public transportation stakeholders to determine the state of the art and to assess how strategies are implemented in European cities. The investigation addressed fleet composition, propulsion systems, energy and future strategies. Analysis of the responses from 24 countries highlighted the local importance of buses throughout Europe.

3IBS delivered an updated edition of the Roadmap for European Advanced Bus systems research through review of the results of other projects. The Roadmap identified the main research priorities and funding opportunities in various states.

To disseminate its message to the largest possible audience, the project team distributed information via various events and gatherings and through conventional media.

The 3IBS project stimulated public transportation stakeholders to share and integrate bus system innovations. The undertaking also supported the bus industry by improving energy and cost efficiency, and by strengthening the competitiveness of the industry outside Europe.