Transit authorities have varying policies and practices for replacement of transit buses and rail cars. These policies and practices may be affected by factors such as vehicle type, maintenance programs, operating environment, duty cycle, spare ratio, and availability of funds (local, state, and federal). To a large extent, availability of funds for vehicle replacement or rebuilding is determined by federal policy. UMTA's guidelines for providing funds have been based on commonly accepted vehicle life expectancy values. This study was performed to assist UMTA in relating vehicle life expectancy values to economics, design specifications, vehicle usage, maintenance, and rebuilding. This report documents vehicle lifetimes; examines relationships among economic life, design life, and service life; reviews the decision process for vehicle replacement used by transit authorities; and makes appropriate vehicle useful life recommendations. Vehicles of primary concern are standard transit buses and rapid, light, and commuter rail cars. Data were obtained through site visits to selected authorities, mail and telephone contacts with vendors and additional authorities, reviews of procurement specifications, and reviews of reports by UMTA, APTA, and others.
Useful Life of Transit Vehicles
1988
115 pages
Report
No indication
English
Useful Life of Transit Buses and Vans
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