The articulated bus is a bus composed of two rigid modules or sections joined together by an articulated section known as a bellows. Usually, the articulated bus has two axles on the front module and one axle on the rear module. The first articulated bus appeared in Spain in the mid-1960s; it was the Pegaso 6035/A model. To see the first Castrosua articulated bus, we had to wait until 1987; our group bodied the Pegaso 5031/A articulated bus for the transport company Belizón y Rodríguez, located in Cádiz. The technical characteristics shared by articulated buses, whether for urban or suburban transport, are as follows: They usually have two axles on the front section and one on the rear; they can be manufactured with low floor, low entry, or high floor; the low entry version can have a high or low bellows, meaning the raised part can start from the second door or the third door (respectively); articulated buses with low entry or low floor have an access ramp for people with reduced mobility, while high-floor units have a lifting platform; it is possible to transport standing passengers in the bellows (if the bellows are translucent, they allow light to enter); articulated buses with Castrosua bodywork have an air conditioning system in each of the carriages to improve passenger comfort; although it is most common to find two-section articulated buses, there are some tri-articulated buses. Next, we will see what distinguishes articulated buses from rigid ones. Rigid bus or articulated bus? The main technical differences between rigid buses (without bellows, single module) and articulated ones, as you can see in the following infographic, are their weight, length, number of doors, and capacity. While a rigid urban bus has a maximum authorized mass (MMA) of 20,000 kg, in the case of an articulated bus, this rises to 28,000 kg, which can be exceeded if alternative fuel such as compressed natural gas (CNG) is used. The length of a rigid bus and an articulated bus also varies: the former is between 10.5 and 15 meters, while the latter can reach 18.75 meters. Consequently, a rigid bus can have two to three doors, but an articulated bus can have up to four doors. Furthermore, a rigid bus has less capacity than an articulated bus; the former can carry up to 90 passengers on average, and the latter up to 145. In Spain, there are many more rigid buses than articulated buses. From 2018 to 2021, an average of 1611 rigid buses were registered per year, and an average of 165 articulated buses per year. The Spanish cities with the most articulated buses are Barcelona (36.52% of its buses are articulated) and Madrid (with a share of 13.79%). Articulated buses for the urban segment Perhaps you have already guessed that there are also differences between articulated buses depending on whether they provide urban or suburban service. These are the main technical characteristics of articulated buses for urban transport: They can have a length of up to 18.75 meters; Castrosua articulated urban buses can transport up to 160 passengers; At Castrosua, we have two body types for articulated urban buses: City Versus and New City. These models can be bodied for diesel and CNG fuel. In their rigid version, these body types have two or three doors; in their articulated version, three or four. Articulated buses for suburban transport And, on the other hand, we will now mention the technical characteristics of articulated buses for suburban journeys: They can measure up to 18.70 meters; they can be low entry or high floor; Castrosua articulated buses for suburban transport have a maximum capacity of 140 people. For suburban transport, Grupo Castrosua offers the Magnus.E model, articulated in its low entry or high floor version. Both can be adapted to diesel or CNG fuel. Articulated bus, yes or no? When it comes to choosing a vehicle that provides high passenger capacity, some transport companies hesitate whether an articulated bus is the best option. In our opinion, the articulated bus has many advantages. We will begin by pointing out that an articulated bus has a higher passenger capacity than any other high-capacity bus, and accessibility criteria with easy access without stairs are also prioritized. Another important point to note is that articulated buses allow for the transport of both seated and standing passengers. One of the most important advantages of the articulated bus compared to other high-capacity options is that an articulated bus has better maneuverability in areas with limited height and less friction, which implies lower fuel consumption. Transport companies concerned about operating in an eco-sustainable manner should also know that articulated buses can be manufactured to run on CNG. Due to the multiple advantages it offers, Grupo Castrosua maintains its commitment to the articulated bus: accessibility to it is agile; it allows for the transport of a large number of passengers; and, as we explained, our company offers body types for articulated buses powered by CNG, thus achieving a significant reduction in NOx, CO, and especially particulate emissions. It is thanks to models such as eco-friendly articulated buses or the 100% electric Nelec that we will achieve a reduction in environmental pollution in urban and suburban areas, leading to more pleasant lives in cities. What do you think of articulated buses? Have you driven or traveled in a Castrosua one? If so, how do you think we can improve them? We’re reading all of you!
Articulated buses are high-capacity passenger vehicles. They first appeared in Spain in the 1960s and are now a common sight in any city, but do you know the technical characteristics of this type of bus? Do you know which was the first articulated bus from Castrosua? We’ll tell you all about it in this post!
Tags
