Effect of variation of speed limits on intercity bus fuel consumption, coach and driver utilization, and corporate profitability

Technical Report · Sat Nov 01 04:00:00 EST 1975

OSTI ID:7294587

Broderick, A J; Davis, P; Leist, L; Miller, R; Klaubert, E

The effect of speed limit and passenger load on fuel consumption was determined using actual intercity buses with simulated passenger loads over different types of terrain. In addition to road tests, laboratory type measurements were made on four intercity buses. Studies were also made to ascertain the effect of reduced speed limits on maintenance and operations. Principal conclusions were: 1) increased fuel consumption results from higher speeds in the 50-60 mph range; 2) terrain is an important factor in determining the effect of speed limit on fuel consumption; 3) no significant fuel savings are expected for intercity buses if speed limits are reduced in the 50-60 mph range over mountainous terrain; and 4) reducing speed limits should reduce maintenance costs but increase direct operating costs. (GRA)

• Research Organization: Transportation Systems Center, Cambridge, Mass. (USA); U.S. Dept. of Transportation, Transportation Systems Center, Kendall Square, Cambridge, MA 02142
• OSTI ID: 7294587
• Report Number(s): PB-247761; DOT-TSC-OST-75-4
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
298000* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Consumption & Utilization
32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
320203 -- Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization-- Transportation-- Land & Roadway
BUSES
COST
ENERGY CONSUMPTION
FUEL CONSUMPTION
FUEL ECONOMY
MAINTENANCE
PROFITS
REGULATIONS
TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS
URBAN AREAS
VEHICLES
VELOCITY