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Microbus

Bridging the gap between cars and buses

In 1998, Veolia Transports determined that, in certain city centers, cars and buses were not really adapted to the confined space and high population density. For eight years, Veolia’s Research, in partnership with R&D Industries, RATP (Paris Public Transport System) and car manufacturer Gruau, undertook research into the missing link between cars and buses: the Microbus, which combines technological innovation and respect of the environment and can transport up to 21 passengers.

 

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Congested city centers and underused public transport

To constitute a credible alternative to cars, public transport must be an efficient response to users’ needs. If bus routes are insufficiently serviced or if there are not enough passengers in off-peak hours, users go back to using their cars. In addition, city centers are sometimes difficult to access by traditional buses. Hence the necessity to invent new forms of local urban transport, combining technological innovation and respect of the environment.

8 years of unremitting work

In 1998, aware of the need for this type of public transport, Veolia Transport asked its R&D to imagine a bus that did not exist. The invention of the Microbus was the result of lengthy research and numerous partnerships.

The first stage was for Veolia’s Research to design an original type of vehicle, in partnership, on this occasion, with R&D Industries. At the same time, Veolia’s researchers drew their inspiration from the “European bus of the future” project in which they had previously participated.
The concept of the Microbus soon emerged.
The next stage was to construct this Microbus, which was achieved thanks to a key partnership between Veolia’s R&D, RATP and car manufacturer Gruau. The project also benefited from the institutional and financial support of ADEME (1) and PREDIT (2).
Subsequently, Veolia’s R&D launched a two-year testing phase. It is currently regularly assessing the situation with Gruau in order to continue innovating. The Microbus is a commercial success as the symbolic threshold of 100 units manufactured has now been exceeded.

(1) Agency for the Environment and Energy Management
(2) National Research and Innovation Program in Terrestrial Transport

Microbus, a combination of technologies

The Microbus combines many innovations: this small-size bus can include several types of combustion, electric or hybrid engines. The other major innovation for this smart vehicle is multiplexing, i.e. the integration of an on-board computer linking the sensors located on the bus with all receiving and control points (brakes, gearbox, doors, air-conditioning system etc.). Finally, the Microbus is accessible for disabled persons via a special suspension system allowing the bus to “kneel down” and a large external sliding door.
All these characteristics make the Microbus creation a worldwide first!

Extract from Jean-Laurent Franchineau’s interview, in charge of the “Microbus” project within Veolia’s Transport R&D

In what way was the Microbus a major challenge for Veolia?
The “Microbus” project allowed us to develop new skills: participation in the design and construction of vehicles, in association with manufacturers. These vehicles also had to meet our operating requirements.

How is the Microbus perceived by the users?
According to a recent perception survey, the free shuttle service launched in Calais and operated by Microbuses registered an 87% satisfaction rate... This survey also revealed that the Microbus was considered by its users as welcoming and very user-friendly. Passengers were very enthusiastic, praising its “big toy aspect”, “nice attractive colors” and “comic book image”.