BOLZANO. The Bolzano provincial government has approved a pilot project for the use of smaller buses in local public transport. The project of the in-house company of the Province and Municipalities of Bolzano, Merano and Laives, Sasa SpA, initially envisages the use of two nine-seater vehicles on low demand routes.
“We want to make local public transport even more flexible and efficient in terms of resources – explains the provincial councilor for mobility, Daniel Alfreider – A solution of efficient and environmentally friendly mobility it can be offered in particular for less busy routes. An advantage is that the buses can also be driven with a B licence, which aspiring drivers have from the beginning of their career.”
For the purchase of buses, the council makes available to Sasa a maximum amount of 350.000 euro. Furthermore, the characteristics of the minimum equipment of the buses have been defined: they must be low-floor vehicles with at least eight plus one seats, have a stop request button, air conditioning, external and internal displays for passenger information, sufficient space around the driver for the ticketing device, space for a wheelchair with adequate securing facilities and a manual ramp to facilitate boarding.
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Interview between Time.news Editor and Public Transport Expert
Editor: Good afternoon, and thank you for joining us today! We’re here to discuss an exciting development in public transportation from Bolzano, where the provincial government has approved a pilot project for smaller buses. Can you share your thoughts on this initiative and what it might mean for local transportation?
Expert: Good afternoon! I’m delighted to be here. This pilot project is a significant step towards improving the efficiency and flexibility of public transport in Bolzano. By utilizing smaller, nine-seater buses on low-demand routes, the provincial government is addressing the common issues of underutilization and high costs that often plague larger buses.
Editor: That’s a great point! Many people are questioning how these smaller buses will perform in comparison to traditional options. What are some specific advantages of using smaller vehicles on these routes?
Expert: Smaller buses can be a game changer, especially in areas with fluctuating ridership. Firstly, they require less fuel, which reduces operational costs and is better for the environment. Additionally, they can navigate narrower roads and congested urban areas more easily, making the transport experience more convenient for passengers.
Editor: Environmentally friendly solutions seem to be a priority for many municipalities these days. Can you elaborate on how this project might impact Bolzano’s overall sustainability goals?
Expert: Absolutely! The introduction of smaller buses aligns with broader sustainability initiatives. By optimizing routes and improving service efficiency, we can expect a reduction in carbon emissions. Moreover, having a more responsive transport system could encourage more residents to opt for public transportation rather than personal vehicles, which further decreases overall congestion and pollution.
Editor: It sounds promising! The governor mentioned the intent to increase flexibility and resource efficiency. How do you envision this project evolving if it proves successful?
Expert: If the pilot is successful, we could see a broader implementation across other areas with similar low-demand routes. Over time, it might lead to a more comprehensive rethinking of public transport systems in Bolzano, potentially integrating other innovative solutions like on-demand bus services, or even electric vehicles for an added sustainability boost.
Editor: Interesting! What challenges do you think the pilot project might face in its initial stages?
Expert: One major challenge could be public acceptance. People often have fixed perceptions of public transport, and convincing them to use smaller buses might require effective marketing and outreach. Additionally, the logistics of scheduling and route planning will need to be meticulously managed to ensure that these smaller buses meet passenger demand without leaving gaps in service.
Editor: That’s a valuable insight! Lastly, what advice would you give to other cities that are considering implementing similar projects?
Expert: My advice would be to conduct thorough research on the specific needs of your community. Engagement with residents is crucial—understanding their travel habits can shape the design of the service. Additionally, starting with a pilot project, as Bolzano has done, allows cities to test the waters without a full commitment. Learning from these experiments can lead to more successful and sustainable transportation solutions.
Editor: Thank you so much for your insights today! It’s fascinating to see how innovative approaches can reshape the way we think about public transportation. We look forward to seeing how this project unfolds in Bolzano.
Expert: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to see the results as well and hope this serves as a model for other cities in their quest for sustainable transport solutions.