(photo reposted from http://sworegonarchitect.blogspot.com & PIVOT Architecture)
More, smaller Lane Transit District buses would not be more economical, contrary to the views of some EmX opponents.
The capacity of transportation infrastructure is determined by peak demand. Just as roads and parking lots are developed for maximum use, LTD needs a full fleet of large buses to serve the highest volume of customers during the peak commuting periods.
Using smaller buses at slower times would require the purchase and maintenance of a secondary fleet of buses, significantly increasing capital and operating expenses. LTD’s primary costs are labor and fuel, and labor costs do not vary by vehicle size.
Consider that every time a larger bus would need to replace a smaller bus (or vice versa) on a route, there would be extra “deadheading” (deadheading is operating an empty bus between the bus yard and where it begins or ends service). That would increase fuel consumption, emissions and operating costs to provide the same level of service. Smaller buses also are less durable and require more frequent replacement.
EmX is provided on highly traveled routes and its frequent service, faster travel times, easy boarding and ability to carry bicycles on board attracts many more riders than traditional buses. That means labor costs and fuel expenses are spread across more passengers, reducing the cost per customer served.
Pushing for more, smaller buses instead of EmX service on major routes would serve fewer people and would be more expensive.
George Trauger, Director of maintenance
