Article: All hail the floating bus

[ozbob]

From the Brisbanetimes  click here!

All hail the floating bus


http://images.brisbanetimes.com.au/2011/03/31/2269928/amphibibus_729-420x0.jpg

All hail the floating bus
Luther Blissett
April 1, 2011 - 5:29AM

Is it a bus? Is it a boat? No, it's an 'Amphibus'.

brisbanetimes.com.au can reveal amphibious buses are being considered as the next addition to the city's public transport fleet.

The plan, being discussed between state and council transport representatives, could reduce travel times for riverside suburbs and cut the need for new bridges or tunnels.

The buses have been successfully trialled in Scotland and can drive regular routes along roads, with the added flexibility to be able to cross the river at any point.

They could also use the river as a de facto busway, as they travel along the water at a speed of about eight knots, or 15 km/h.

But the plan is likely to draw the ire of recreational river users, as it's understood there may be restrictions placed on the use of private boats as a result of the increased river traffic.

"The potential for these 'duck-boat' buses is huge," said one government official close to the discussions.

"We can provide more river crossings all up and down the river without the need to build expensive bridges."

The bus-only Eleanor Schonell Bridge, linking the University of Queensland and Dutton Park, cost more than $55 million.

Two boat ramp-style structures at either side of the river for the Amphibuses to use would be much cheaper to construct, the official said.

There are no plans to replace the current CityCat fleet in the short term, although the fact that expensive terminals - many of which were washed away in this year's devastating flood - are not required for Amphibuses is seen as a positive among budget-conscious officials.

Travel Research Institute of Queensland chief executive April Onley said she welcomed the proposal.

"This is a truly innovative idea and something that strikes a happy medium between the budget demands of the bus and ferry networks," she said.

"It's a joke, really, to think this hasn't been proposed before."

Ms Onley said TRIQ had long been advocating the use of Amphibuses, particularly after seeing their success in Scotland, where they were used to ferry passengers across the River Clyde.

She said they also had the potential to service communities on Moreton Bay islands, providing much-needed public transport links.

Pedestrian and Rider Action Network Queensland chief executive Verity Abson said while she was generally supportive of public transport, her initial reaction was one of disbelief.

"I suppose as long as these buses allow cyclists to take their bikes on board, PRANQ can get behind this," she said.

If the trial is successful, full services could come into effect by April 1 next year.

LOL  good effort BT!

[Stillwater]

Just remember, it's April Fool's day! 

[ButFli]

Pfft new and improved public transport for Brisbane? Gotta be April Fools. Them arsehats in Parliament House/City Hall ain't be knowin nothing about decent transport policy.