Abstract_BHLS_Zurich..

Bus with High Level of Service
Line 31
Abstract
VBZ Zurich
November 2010
Country: Switzerland
Region / city : Zurich
Type of route : High-capacity, Urban
Background / Context
Zurich is the largest city of Switzerland, as well as the economic and financial engine of the country. With a
population of about 380’000 inhabitants (metropolitan area around 1 million) Zurich is a mixed hub for railways,
roads and air traffic. Its airport and railway station are the busiest in the country. Public transport services in the
urban area are provided by a combination of high capacity commuter trains (S-Bahn services), a dense tram
network and a number of complementary bus services varying in capacity. In general, quality of public transport
in Zurich is very high, with clean, modern vehicles, and comfortable, reliable and punctual services. Line 31 is a
major trolley bus line of the network, carrying more passengers than some of its tramlines. It is a radial line
using double-articulated vehicles, which serves four S-Bahn stations, as well as the main train station. Diverse
urban areas are served, including the city center, residential, and previously industrial areas (where the potential
for further development exists). The use of large vehicles in Line 31 as of 2007 was the result of a study that
focused on current and future demand, as well as on the quality of the service for the passengers. Line 31 is
provided with different types of priority at all intersections and along the route, dynamic and static in-vehicle
information, low-floor modern vehicles, central dedicated lanes along parts of the line, high frequency services
and one park-and-ride facility. The use of a 25 m vehicle has reduced the difference between bus and tram in a
city where the tram network is the backbone of the majority of trips.
Description
Infrastructure:
Length:
11 km
Stations served: 28 (4 S-Bahn stations + Zurich main railway station)
Average station spacing: 414 m
Road Crossings: 23 at-grade intersections
Buses :
Type: 17 Double-articulated trolley buses – Hess Light tram 3
Length/Width/Height: 24.7 / 2.55 / 3.45 m
Capacity: Technical max. capacity: 202 (4 pass./m 2 )
Rated output:
2 x 160 kW (+ 50 kW emergency power)
Doors / ramps: 5 / 2
Empty / full weight: 24 / 38 Ton
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Bus with High Level of Service
ITS tools :
For passengers
(visual and vocal
information)
For drivers
For regulator
Ticket vending machines, static schedules, topological and zonal maps in
at station every stop. At larger stops real-time information displays. Audio
announcements in case of disruptions or changes in service at every station.
Real-time information displays: next/ final stop with travel time,
disruptions or changes in service, special events, connection status at next
on board
stop with waiting time. Audio announcement: next stop, disruptions or
changes in service.
AVL, automatic priority request at all crossings, cameras at back of bus for safety
AVL, CCTV in some vehicles, radio and emergency button contact with driver.
Identification :
On the bus
On front and side of buses. Marketing is for entire system, it
is creative, fun and the VBZ brand is strong and recognized.
On the running ways Bus lanes are clearly marked; overhead catenaries help to follow the line path.
At the stations
Concrete surface and clear marking of the bus stop.
Cost and Financing sources if available (in !)
Cost coverage of service: around 64% for all system. Cost of one vehicle: around 1 Mio !. Single ride 3!, 24h
ticket 6!. Discounts and season tickets are available and savings compared to single tickets are significant.
Some results
Ridership : demand in peak hour: 1300 pass. / direction. Around 14’000 per day.
Headways: 7.5 min from 6 am to 8 pm
Schedule span: 5:30 to 00:30 (19 h)
Commercial speed : around 19 km/h
Success factors / Strengths
Public transport in Zurich enjoys ample support by the population and has a very positive image.
Priority for public transport is a key element in the city. Planners have good relationships with traffic
engineers and are able to work cooperatively on improvement projects. Zurich developed a unique
approach that applies an active approach (priority is provided only when a public transport vehicle is
present) to all the traffic signals in its network. The payment system (proof of payment or self
service fare collection) considerably accelerates boarding and alighting times, thereby reducing
dwelling times at stations. Vehicle characteristics such as low-floor, improved interior circulation
spaces and multiple wide doors make the service faster, more comfortable and more accessible.
Barriers / weaknesses / Points to monitor
Public transport in Zurich is rather slow when compared with other cities. This is mainly due to the
short distance between stations, and the density of the network. At some critical points, conflicts
between public transport vehicles occur due to restricted space. Zurich is a tram city and bus services
enjoy lower levels of recognition by the population. Construction sites can seriously impact services.
Lessons learnt
The high quality transport system in Zurich is not the result of one single measure, but rather the
implementation of a number of measures that complement each other and have a greater effect than
that which they could individually achieve. Public support is critical to implement measures in
favour of public transport. Network planning, infrastructure allocation and service characteristics
must be designed to meet conditions in public areas, serve all social groups including elderly, poor
and disabled while minimizing unnecessary negative impacts.
References and contacts for further details
Person contact : Nelson Carrasco
Telephone : +41 44 633 3087 - nelson.carrasco@ivt.baug.ethz.ch
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