Public Transport Runs 2 Kilometres On 15 Seconds

GENEVA: In 2017, Geneva will have a new line of buses that will likely change the face of public transport in this global hub of finance and diplomacy.

These buses need just 15 seconds of charge to run a whole 2 km. The technology they use will have Indian environmentalists chomping at the bit because it could help India reduce a whopping 3.7 million tons of CO2 emissions.

Geneva’s public transport operator TGP, the Office of Promotion of Industries and Technologies, the Geneva Power Utility SIG, and ABB have collaborated to develop these buses. TOSA is the acronym this new bus system is known by. That stands for Trolleybus Optimisation Systeme Alimentation.

At first sight, these buses look like the regular electric trolley buses one sees in most European cities. But look towards the roof of one of these buses and you will see that instead of trolley poles – that connect to overhead lines – there’s a moving arm on the bus that connects to an overhead receptacle, which is in turn integrated with a bus terminal.

The receptacle, located at the bus, carries an innovative flash charging technology designed to effectively replenish the batteries in the course of brief pauses when passengers are boarding or alighting. In just 15 seconds, this speedy charging manner injects a great 600-kilowatt surge of electricity into the batteries, enabling the bus to cover a distance of 2 km even if absolutely loaded with over 130 passengers. Subsequently, upon accomplishing the bus terminals, the batteries go through a greater complete charging cycle that lasts  between 4 to 5 minutes to ensure they are fully replenished and prepared for the next journey.

When the metropolis of Geneva undergoes the transition from its modern-day 229-robust diesel fleet to the brand new buses, a giant environmental impact might be completed. This shift is predicted to result in the reduction of up to 1,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions yearly, granted that the new buses operate an expected distance of 600,000 kilometers per year. This big decrease in carbon emissions not simplest demonstrates Geneva’s commitment to sustainability however also highlights the tangible benefits of embracing purifier and more efficient transportation modes for the community and the environment as an entire.

When absolutely commissioned in 2018, these modern-day buses, prepared with present day technology and environmentally friendly functions, will revolutionize public transportation on the city’s Route 23. This course serves as a crucial link connecting the bustling town middle with its sprawling suburbs, inclusive of the popular airport. Given the buses’ excessive potential and efficiency, they are projected to transport a brilliant quantity of over 10,000 passengers each day, presenting a reliable and sustainable shuttle for citizens and visitors alike.

“We see a big trend towards urbanisation which causes a lot of traffic congestion. One of the solutions to that is people travelling together on public transport, and the need for that to be emission free. TOSA is a system that meets those needs and it is a technology that offers flexibility. This is a way to be economically viable, green and energy efficient,” said Bruce Warner, Global Product Specialist for rail and urban transportation, ABB.