O-Bahn vehicles developed on the basis of buses
by K. Niemann
International Journal of Vehicle Design (IJVD), Vol. 9, No. 1, 1988

Abstract: Special vehicle equipment, such as track guidance systems and electric drives, or special vehicles were developed for a public transport system on the basis of buses (O-Bahn). These components allow the vehicles to be driven on separate tracks in track-guided operation and with electric drive, just like a railbound vehicle; moreover, they can also be manually steered and diesel-driven on normal roads. For this reason care had to be taken to ensure that the vehicle-related track guidance equipment did not impair the vehicle's ability to be operated on normal roads and that quick entrance of the track was possible. The electric components had to be particularly small and lightweight because they had to be installed in the vehicle in addition to the diesel drive. In the case of the special O-Bahn vehicles the passengers do not have to change from rail to road transport, and the operators can save costs because they can operate their vehicles on public roads provided this is permitted by the traffic density and passenger volumes. Compared to the route network the dual-power drives allow for shorter power transmission line networks and thus cost savings, for electric drives as well. The quick change between the operating modes permits gradual extension of the track network and the power transmission line in accordance with the traffic requirements and the operator's financial means. For a highly extended track network large-capacity vehicles which are suitable for train formation are available.

Online publication date: Mon, 26-May-2014

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