Overview
Based on the EBSF results and innovations as well as on previous and ongoing research projects and activities, 3iBS is committed to raise the image of the bus in the urban environment. More specifically, 3iBS is a project conceived to continue striving for increased performance, accessibility and efficiency of urban bus systems.
3iBS is participating directly in the objective of the European Commission to develop high quality public transport.
3iBS will maintain the current research activities in top of promoting and exploiting their key findings, will develop bus-system research, exploit and implement key solutions, promote the dissemination and exchange of knowledge on a global scale. The permanent objective of the 3IBS project is the positive strengthening of the EU bus industry's position outside Europe, achievable through adapting our support to their specific needs. Such strategy will reinforce their competitiveness and create a virtuous circle to stimulate the integration of the previous pioneering results in Public Transport bus systems. 3iBS will boost best practices, enhance cross fertilisation and endow developing countries with innovative concepts and solutions. Ultimately, 3iBS will deliver the perfect platform to systematise the framework for future EU research focusing on innovative urban bus systems.
The 3iBS project will achieve the following tasks:
- The development of a Roadmap for European Advanced Bus Systems research that will support the European and National institutions to develop efficient answers to citizens mobility needs present and future
- The definition of a work-plan for the exploitation of Advanced Bus Systems research results, to move from research (use of funding to build new ideas) to innovation (implementation of new ideas into business)
- The identification, dissemination and transfer of most innovative concepts and solutions for Advanced Bus Systems to a wider audience in European cities and regions as well as outside Europe
Funding
Results
Better bus systems
An EU team investigated bus-based solutions to urban traffic problems. The comparative study has yielded comprehensive guidelines for improvement, and an updated edition of the Roadmap for European Advanced Bus systems research.
Modern urban transportation problems, including sprawl and traffic congestion, demand solutions. Buses are versatile and still offer the most balanced traffic option.
The EU-funded project 'The intelligent, innovative, integrated bus systems' (http://www.3ibs.eu (3IBS)) aimed to improve urban bus systems' performance, accessibility and efficiency. The 11-member project drew upon developments from an earlier EU project (EBSF, 2008-2013), while also helping to fulfil European Commission objectives for quality public transport. The project targeted seven areas of bus system operations: accessibility and safety, service during special events, intermodality, level of service, modularity, sustainability and information technology standardisation. The project ran between October 2012 and March 2015.
Team members used case studies to link research concepts with good practice implementation. The research involved comparing more than 30 solutions from various countries, and yielded guidelines for public transportation. The review also suggested opportunities for standardisation and further research.
The consortium questioned public transportation stakeholders to determine the state of the art and to assess how strategies are implemented in European cities. The investigation addressed fleet composition, propulsion systems, energy and future strategies. Analysis of the responses from 24 countries highlighted the local importance of buses throughout Europe.
3IBS delivered an updated edition of the Roadmap for European Advanced Bus systems research through review of the results of other projects. The Roadmap identified the main research priorities and funding opportunities in various states.
To disseminate its message to the largest possible audience, the project team distributed information via various events and gatherings and through conventional media.
The 3IBS project stimulated public transportation stakeholders to share and integrate bus system innovations. The undertaking also supported the bus industry by improving energy and cost efficiency, and by strengthening the competitiveness of the industry outside Europe.