Volvo Redefines Busload

Truckmaker AB Volvo has unveiled a 30-meter-long (98-ft) bus capable of carrying 300 passengers, which the company says sets world records for length and capacity.

Designed specifically for Brazil’s bus rapid transit (BRT) system, the new Gran Artic 300 can carry 30 more passengers than the previous largest bus, according to Volvo. A bi-articulated design separates the vehicle into three segments with accordion-style dividers that enable the elongated bus to negotiate corners.

Volvo says the Gran Artic 300 can replace as many as five standard buses. This reduces the number of vehicles needed, thus improving efficiency and reducing overall tailpipe emissions.

Brazil pioneered BRT transportation, which features dedicated bus lanes, special intersection treatment, platform-level boarding and remote fee payment. Rio de Janeiro’s planned $400 million, 14-mile TransBrasil line, for example, is expected to allow buses to travel at an average speed of 22 mph and carry 820,000 passengers per day. By comparison, buses in New York City creep along at less than 10 mph, and the city’s high-volume L subway line transports about 225,000 daily.

Volvo has delivered more than 4,000 articulated and bi-articulated buses for BRT systems in major cities throughout South and Central America and Mexico. A handful of Asian and European cities also operate BRT systems with bi-articulated buses, which until now have been no longer than 25 meters (82 ft).