This project, "Concurrence characteristics of public transport systems based

on trams and on buses", is part of the research programme "Light Rail - Light

Cost II". It aims to identify factors which lead to success for public

transport systems based on these means of transport. The report is focused on

traffic in cities. It has been carried out as a literature study, combined

with detailed studies in four specific cities, in which the transport

developments show different patterns: Jönköping and Stockholm in Sweden,

Rouen in France and Essen in Germany. Generally, tram operations have a

rather strong system image, whereas buses show a weaker system image. High

quality bus systems with e.g. a high degree of separate right of way, signal

priority and real time passenger information, as well as guided buses and

trolleybuses, show an intermediate system image. The structuralising effects

of tram routes on building activities and other establishments are obvious.

When a new tram system is established car traffic is often restricted in

various ways. The extent of restrictions is not equally obvious when new bus

systems are established. New tram systems are used not only as a means of

transport but also as a tool for refurbishing the city environment. This

includes establishing pedestrianised areas, restrictions on car use and

establishing Park and Ride facilities. The so called Rail Factor has been

specially investigated, but has been difficult to prove for just public

transport with trams. It has not been possible to identify any exact limits

for passenger volumes best carried by buses or by trams; the values are

really fluid. However, public transport makes much more efficient use of the

street area than car traffic. Trams are more than twice as efficient as

buses, when the number of passenger carried is considered. In the period

1986-1996 the European cities which base public transport on trams show a

bigger growth in the number of passenger carried than do cities which rely on

buses.