World First for Public Transport: A Steering System for High-Capacity Buses – HÜBNER Presents New Development Live at InnoTrans
At the InnoTrans in Berlin (20 – 23 September 2022), the HÜBNER Group, with headquarters in Kassel, Germany, will be presenting its new steering technology for high-capacity buses as a world first. The advantage of the new, modular steering system: It makes it possible to safely maneuvere 30-meter-long high-capacity buses in urban settings. The HÜBNER steering system will be shown regularly in operation in live demonstrations at the exhibition’s outdoor area (Booth O/220).
HÜBNER has developed a steering system that intelligently controls the six axles of high-capacity buses. This allows for safe and secure driving as well as a high level of comfort for passengers.
Uwe Bittroff, Head of Gangway Systems for Street Vehicles, said:For the safe operation of high-capacity buses, a reliable steering system is essential to make these large vehicles safely maneuverable in urban traffic. Our steering technology has been designed so that in the event of a malfunction there is no danger for passengers or the surrounding area. With this innovation, we are offering a unique feature in this area. Until now, there is no other system for road vehicles that can control more than two axles to this degree and provide safe steering operation.
HÜBNER’s Steering System Developed According to ISO 26262
The steering system is designed to the functional safety standards according to ISO 26262, it being offered with modular elements. This will make it possible for bus or train manufacturers to integrate it into vehicles on an individual basis. Through the use of pre-developed system components, individual vehicle concepts can also be flexibly integrated into the infrastructure of growing cities. In addition, the HÜBNER steering system can be used in bi-directional operation – and also has an interface for autonomous driving. This makes the HÜBNER steering system ready for future requirements in public mobility solutions.
Live at InnoTrans 2022: The New Steering System in Operation
The steering system from HÜBNER will be shown in operation one time per hour each day of the exhibition in the outdoor area (Booth O/220). The first demonstration will take place at 9:30 a.m. and the last exhibition at 5:30 p.m.
New Mobility Solution for Public Transport
Helge Förster, General Manager of the HÜBNER Group, explains the background of the development, said:As a supplier of rail and bus manufacturers, we want to be thinking ahead in the public transport sector. Because one thing is clear: To reduce CO2 emissions and to make mobility more sustainable, we will be needing new mobility solutions – also in local transport. One possibility where we see great potential is high-capacity buses.
Like a Tram That Runs on Rubber Wheels
Dr. Stefanie Böge, Head of Mobility Road Development Projects, explained:High-capacity buses look like trams running on rubber wheels and are particularly well-suited for cities that require large transport capacities in a short amount of time.
High-capacity buses consist of three vehicle segments with a total of six axles and two gangways, with a total length of over 30 meters. Current vehicle transport capacity is approximately 300 passengers. On this basis, the new vehicles combine the advantages of buses and trams.
High-capacity buses do not depend on a transport infrastructure with its own track system like classic streetcars. They provide the flexibility and versatility of buses. In addition, high-capacity buses – in direct comparison to rail-based transport – are more cost-efficient and can be deployed more quickly. They can be incorporated into a city’s existing street and road system. At the same time, high-capacity buses provide the same high level of comfort, safety and the sleek design of trams.
Products for Rail Transport in Exhibition’s Indoor Area
The HÜBNER Group is presenting new innovations and products for the rail vehicle market in the indoor area in Hall 1.2, Booth 120. In addition, HÜBNER is offering a series of expert talks on current projects and product developments, including high-capacity buses. At InnoTrans, the HÜBNER Group will also be highlighting the benefits of the company’s global presence – both for customers and in connection with climate issues.
HÜBNER has published a dedicated website for InnoTrans 2022 which brings together all the highlights, products and experts presentations featured during the exhibition. The website can be reached at www.hubner-group.com/innotrans.
This article was originally published by HÜBNER.
