Bus Transit Systems

Our bus system design experience extends far beyond conventional buses. We have assisted agencies in obtaining many types of vehicles. From the Advanced-Design buses of the 1980s to the latest hybrid-electric buses, Lea+Elliott has helped transit providers successfully deploy new technologies. In addition, we provide leadership in bus technologies, including articulated, trackless, trolley, dual-propulsion, and guided buses. Our engineers are pioneers in developing and applying alternating current (AC) propulsion drive systems. We maintain an exhaustive bus equipment database that provides current, comprehensive data on bus manufacturing techniques and facilities throughout America and Europe. We also have design staff that has worked directly for transit authorities. They bring to our team sensitivity and appreciation for the needs and expectations of our bus transit clients.

A few of our bus transit system projects are showcased below.

HONOLULU AIRPORT WIKI-WIKI BUS SUPPORT

Stress Reduction Achieved by Designing Mid-Term Solutions for Long-Term Improvements

Lea+Elliott is assisting the State of Hawaii DOT in assessing and analyzing the intra-airport passenger transportation system at Honolulu International Airport (HNL). Currently, HNL provides a Wiki-Wiki bus shuttle to transport passengers between airport destinations. Lea+Elliott helped the state analyze improvements to the current Wiki-Wiki system and provided a mid-term solution for HNL’s intra-airport transportation needs until the master plan update was complete.

Lea+Elliott’s work included four separate tasks:

Providing technical expertise to assess the issues and expedite the delivery of the state’s existing battery bus contract.
As part of the mid-term solution, it was determined that new buses were needed to maintain and improve the level of service of the Wiki-Wiki shuttle. Our team analyzed the specific bus system needs and provided the state with bus specification procurement documents.
We also completed a detailed inspection of the Chance coaches that were used for the Wiki-Wiki system, assessed the viability for continued service, and provided the state with various levels of available refurbishment. Once the state determined that a minimal level of refurbishment was most cost and time effective, we prepared a scope of work for the refurbishment.
Results of the first three tasks were combined with various passenger transportation options to determine mid-term solutions for HNL. Work included alignment and operations analysis for APM alternatives and design and planning for a sterile corridor, which took into account significant factors such as fire/life safety concerns, corridor size, location, and passenger movement.

Lea+Elliott was subsequently awarded additional tasks to assist with the improvement of the maintenance program, to participate in the bid and award of both the new bus procurement and the bus rehabilitation effort, and to ensure the sterile corridor remained on the designated program.

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OCTA BUS RAPID TRANSIT

Full Service Consulting Made a Smooth Road for Bus Transit Improvements

Lea+Elliott assists the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) with the implementation of a countywide bus rapid transit (BRT) system including three corridors on county's busiest corridors. The BRT system named Bravo! is planned to have its own distinct identity, traffic signal synchronization, enhanced bus shelters, and real-time bus arrival information. In addition, preliminary design of transit signal priority throughout the corridors is being conducted. To support this service, OCTA is utilizing approximately 50 40-foot New Flyer compressed natural gas buses with low-floors.

Our program management team is involved on various levels and aspects of the system including: project management, development of the BRT concept, environmental documents, work scopes for architectural and engineering services, stakeholder coordination, facilitation and recording of meetings, service planning, design oversight, and construction management.

Lea+Elliott also provided support during a fare collection assessment for the BRT system. Also, provided was a technology assessment to analyze fare collection systems including a recommendations regarding the most applicable system.

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