Cost comparison between tram and bus systems How reliable is the new FGSV study?

摘要

In the September 2008 issue of Public Transport International, Dr.-Ing. Volker Deutsch published an article on cost comparison between tramway and bus systems. The article is based on a study published in June 2008 by the German Road and Transportation Research Association (FGSV). The study aimed at comparing the entire costs of medium-capacity bus and tramway systems. The comparison remains restricted to those costs which are directly related to, or caused by construction, implementation, and operation of the respective transport systems. The systems in question are assumed to be newly built, on segregated right-of-way, and of equal dimensions and capacity. Thus, in the context of this study the term 'tramway' refers to a medium-sized LRT system, whereas 'bus' stands for a BRT system (European style). It is noteworthy that the hourly capacity is fixed at about 2,300 passengers per direction - which brings the BRT system to its limits, whereas the tramway system still has ample reserves.