Bus Stop Design and Automated Guidance for Low-Floor Buses: Evaluation of Prototypes with Investigation of Human Factors

Low-floor vehicle design improves the accessibility of urban buses to people with reduced mobility. In France, on the basis of the experience gained from low-floor tramways, a system approach soon appeared necessary and the low-floor bus within the urban environment was considered. Described are the results of the research and development project initiated by the Grenoble network to reach efficient guidance solutions that would ensure minimal gaps at bus stops. Operating conditions of accessibility equipment on the vehicle (kneeling, access ramp) as well as driver capability to dock at the bus stop have been investigated. From the results, an improved bus stop was designed and two prototype systems—GIBUS visual aid and VISÉE guidance system—were conceived and tested. Evaluation of these during operation on a bus route in the city of Grenoble concentrated on assessing system performance and human factors so that recommendations could be drawn before implementation.