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World's Longest Bus Seats More Than 200 Passengers
Dresden, Germany, is getting ready to roll out the world's longest bus, the 98-foot AutoTram Extra Grand. Dresden news outlet the Local is reporting that the supersized bus, which can carry up to 256 passengers, just went for a test drive.
Even more surprising, the AutoTram can be driven by any bus driver; no special license is required. The bus got the green light because of a special train-like steering algorithm that ensures the two rear sections, which rest on four guided axles, perfectly follow the cab.
Designed and built by the Fraunhofer Institute for Transportation and Infrastructure Systems IVI in Dresden along with the Technical University Dresden, the bus is set to make its debut in congested Dresden traffic in October. Currently, it is undergoing tests in special facilities outside the city.
"Due to its high transport capacity, the AutoTram Extra Grand bridges the gap between conventional city buses and trams, offering new possibilities for an environmental friendly public transport," the Fraunhofer Institute said in a press release.
Matthias Klinger, director of the Fraunhofer Institute, told the Local there has been a lot of interest from cities in the developing world looking to develop cheap public transport systems.
Do you think the bus is a good idea, or an accident waiting to happen?
[Images courtesy Fraunhofer IVI]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Bijan J Bijan Aug 28th 2012 2:26PM
They had the same question, when the airplanes started flying people!
Sara Evans Aug 28th 2012 2:52PM
This bus would be GREAT for schools - IF - the first part were smaller, with a little bigger second part, and a still bigger third part - IF - they could detach and reattach in whatever configuration was needed! Just take the first part for smaller group, take first and last or first and second for bigger groups and then take it all for a huge bunch...
Great idea!
TOM Sep 1st 2012 11:12AM
THE BUS LOOKS GREAT, AND THE POTENTIAL IS THERE, BUT, I THINK IT WOULD NEED A BUS LANE FOR CITY TRAFFIC, BECAUSE IT WOULD BE AWFUL HARD TO MANUEVER ON CROWDED STREETS, PLUS YOU WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO CURB THE BUS WITHOUT BLOCKING THE STREET OFF BEHIND YOU. I KNOW THIS WOULD BE A GOOD THING FOR CHICAGO BECAUSE OF THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE THEY MOVE ON SURFACE STREETS. MAYBE WE WILL SEE IT IN ACTION SOMEDAY!
mike Sep 1st 2012 1:55PM
It's a pretty typical articulated bus with the middle section added. How the extra wheels (2 axles instead of 1) steer or operate is what is questionable to me. The original articulated's import to the U.S. by MAN proved to be troublesome while making right and left hand turns. Because the back wheels were part of the steering (much like second driver on aerial fire trucks) they were prone to take out bus shelters when pulling from the curb and vehicles to their left when making right hand turns. The current articulated bus here now operate more like a semi truck and trailer. And since the front portion is only 30 feet long generally they are easier to negotiate turns than a typical 40 foot bus. Do the front wheels on the second section stay rigid or do they steer that section with the third section following it as is normal in a regular articulated?
info Sep 2nd 2012 8:03AM
This is a great bus, we can find similar trams in KOLKATA, india but this is luxury one...a good concept, may be it reduces of atmosphere pollution, by the way, how many machines (engines) does it have?
Rupesh (www.indonepaltrips.com)
menlopark Sep 6th 2012 7:34AM
By the reference of taxi cabs and local buses, it is another good option for the user for of long buses like limousine etc. taxi cab good to see this one.
sancarlos Sep 13th 2012 5:18AM
Limousine buses are the reliable source of having a taxi cab in any ceremony or party. moreover these are affordable than the luxury limos.
Maria Scofield Sep 29th 2012 5:47PM
I have never ever see this type of amazing bus before, this bus is totally, this bus looks like a rental bus. for a long tour. or for a wedding party, like other taxi cab services, you may join this service for your own interest and for your own benefits.
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