A joint study conducted by MAN Truck & Bus and the Berlin Weissensee Academy of Art has formulated various design concepts that offer creative contributions to the advanced development of the omnibus.
The results of the ‘Future of the Omnibus’ study include draft designs of vehicles for local public transport that combine ideas for the greatest possible mobility with unconventional product design.
In collaboration with bus experts from MAN, nine concepts were worked out, ranging from KONVOI solutions for fleets to a new driver workplace. Other ideas included a new interior design for variable, safe and fast passenger flows, and compact, secure holders for bicycles and baby carriages in the passenger compartment.
According to participants, the collaboration led to intensive debate, demonstrating just how much potential for improvement lies within the design parameters of the conventional omnibus.
MAN also commissioned a study from the Technical University of Munich called ‘What Cities Want’. During the course of this project, 15 metropolitan centres from around the world provided accounts of how they wished to develop attractive forms of urban mobility in the future.
Using examples from the different cities, the authors of the study demonstrated the opportunities offered by urbanisation. However, the researchers pointed out that these cities are already creating the prerequisites for efficient, accessible and ecologically sound mobility.
A common goal amongst responding cities was the expansion and improvement of all aspects of local public transport. The study’s participants wanted more routes, higher frequencies, and greater reliability of service.
The results, argue the authors, show how major cities are reacting to the demands of their citizens. The study revealed that the quality of the local public transport on offer had the second largest impact on commuter choice after travelling time.
The researchers suggested a range of innovative transport solutions such as integrated mobility plans, combined modes of transport, ambitious environmental objectives, and right-of-way for alternative drives. The authors also provided MAN with an overview of varied strategies for sustainable urban mobility.