Europe’s bus of the future

The International Association of Public Transport will tomorrow (28 July) unveil the European bus of the future.

The product of five years of research into bus technologies, it has been designed by a working group composed of eight operators and organising authorities from five European countries. Their design combines environmentally-friendly features, such as reduced pollutants, with new concepts for "access optimisation" - making it easier to get on and off the bus - and "on-board living" - improving passengers' experience when they are travelling. European students also contributed to the final design through a competition launched in 2004.

The project aims to give a much-needed makeover to the humble bus, which, unlike other modes of transport, such as the urban tramway and high-speed trains, has yet to be modernised. Cheap, flexible and efficient, it is a mode of transport which could greatly contribute to creating a more balanced and sustainable urban environment. Results from the study will be discussed with manufacturers.

The International Association of Public Transport will tomorrow (28 July) unveil the European bus of the future.