Skybus

                                                                                                                   

INTRODUCTION

The Skybus project was envisioned while looking at the pathetic road condition created by the metro infrastructure put in place on the wide roads  which has caused enormous hardship and delays, traffic jams for the daily road users.  The concept of metro as the solution to the city traffic jams as well as to handle large people movement from one area of the city to the other end seems very bright when looked upon from the surface level, whereas in reality people who owned the cars as well as the public transport bus system operated by the government will not evaporate overnight on the inauguration of metro. The government may reduce a few number of buses in specific routes to accommodate the metro.  Whereas private car owners under no circumstance would like to part with their personal cars, viewing this scenario traffic congestion in metro routes is not going to reduce substantially.                           

Whereas installation and commissioning of metro has eroded road space by placing pillars along the road to run the metro overhead on the elevated platform.  This concept of eroding road space will under all circumstances create narrow spaces on the important roads for car and bus utility.  If the metro was put in place at least a decayed ago many city dwellers would have not gone in for purchase of personal four wheelers.   With this in mind we thought about to build a system where the space erosion by a mask rapid transport system should provide extra road facility to improve the traffic condition as well as provide alternate transport system as metro.This type of system has been successfully implemented in certain countries, where road has been added along with introduction of metro type transport system .

SkyBus is a greener way to travel. When delegates choose to travel on SkyBus between the Airport and the city they all leave a smaller carbon footprint. SkyBus supports Green fleet and plants over 7,000 trees each year to offset carbon emissions from its fleet’s fuel consumption. Sky Bus operates 24 hours/7 days a week- over 250 trips a day moving in excess of two million passenger. The Skybus Metro is a prototype suspended railway system invented by Indian technologist B Rajaram with the Konkan Railway. The system consists of an elevated track with the cars suspended below, similar to the Schwebebahn Wuppertal or H-Bahn systems in Germany.A 1.6 km (1 mi) test track in Margao, Goa started trials in 2004, but on 25 September, one employee was killed and three injured in an accident when the coaches hit the concrete track pillars. The test track was supposed to be extended to 10.5 km, but no progress has been made since the accident, and the system has not been adopted anywhere else in India.

Figure:- Skybus Metro

1.1 About the Technology

The fixed structure at 8 meters height above road level provides the support and re-defines the thinking and planning for urban transport being an Eco-friendly Mass guidance for powered bogies which can run at 100 kmph, with the coach shells suspended below, carry passengers in air conditioned comfort, can follow existing road routes, while existing traffic on roads continue. It is aesthetically pleasing and there is no concern of  a claustrophobic feeling for road users. Aesthetic, and eco-friendly, the Sky Bus is protected against derailment, toppling or collision – by design as well as by construction, hence is safer than the existing rail based system. At the cost of Rs. 50 Crore per km. in India, the system is noise – free and pollution – free with a capacity to transport 36000 passengers per hour (pph), scalable to 72,000 pph as required.  

 1.2 Sky Bus Metro – An Alternative

 The Sky Bus technology offered by Konkan Railway Corporation meets the above requirements, and urban transport system revolutionizing urban life. It is a patented technology developed for the new millennium and will cause a paradigm shift in urban transportation all over the world. Being an indigenous technology, it will place India on the forefront of the Rapid Transit Industry all over the world while providing the much needed alternative transportation solution, which is financially viable, environment friendly, synergizing well proven existing cutting edge technologies.

Why Sky Bus Delivers More Than Conventional Railways  – In Terms Of Headways. The critical factor for deciding the headway is the time taken at the station, the turn around time for the gates to open and close and the time taken at the traverser. A Sky Bus unit comes to a stop 5 m. short of the traverser. The traverser has 6.5 m. traversing distance assumed to move at 1.3 m./sec/sec. The headway can be 30 seconds – and so assuming initially 60 seconds is absolutely practical.  In conventional trains, which are 200 m. long and using the conventional points and crossings, the time taken to reverse at depot to change line means cover double the length of the train plus the additional distances over points and crossings all at an average speed of 20 kmph., therefore will take 90 seconds.

                                               Figure:- Skybus metro suspended system                                                                            
                                                 

SKYBUS TECHNOLOGY

The basic concept of Sky Bus Metro is derived from the concept of Sky-Wheels presented in 1989 at World Congress for Railway Research.

In the Sky Bus technology, as can be seen in Fig.2.1, the median in the middle of road is usedto raise columns to support  9.4 m wide concrete box 2.4 m high, which houses sky-guides and a powered bogie and can run on the sky-guides at speed upto 100 Kmph .The coaches are suspended from the bogie frame running overhead and thus are designed .

                                            Figure:- Schematic Arrangements of SkyBus                                                                                                               

       CONSTRUCTION OF SKYBUS

The fixed structure at 8 metres height above road level provides the support and guidance for powered bogies which can run at 100 kmph, with the coach shells suspended below, carry passengers in air conditioned comfort, can follow existing road routes, while existing traffic on roads continue. It is aesthetically pleasing and there is no concern of a claustrophobic feeling for road users. Aesthetic, and eco-friendly, the Sky Bus is protected against derailment, toppling or collision – by design as well as by construction, hence is safer than the existing rail based system. At the cost of Rs. 50 Crore per km. in India , the system is noise – free and pollution – free with a capacity to transport 36000 passengers per hour (pph), scalable to 72,000 pph as required. With no signaling and having no points and crossings, it is a unique mass-transit system that can be put up within two years in any crowded & congested city. In addition to moving people, the Sky Bus system can carry standard 20 ft. containers, boosting its capacity utilization to double that of other existing systems.Since it operates along existing roadways and within municipal limits, SkyBus metro falls under tramway category, under Art 366(20) of the Constitution of India.Skybus can run at 100 km/h using electric power, with suspended coach shells that carry the passengers.

A Skybus Metro Railcar suspended at a station on the track at Margao, Goa, India. The 1.6 km test track was abonded in 2004 after an accident. The system looks like a "monorail" but there are two conventional steel rails on the overhead concrete beam, with the car hanging from this.Heavy 52 kilograms per metre (100 lb/yd) rails of standard gauge are placed in 8m x 2m-box enclosures. These rails are supported over 1m diameter columns 10m tall, spaced at 15-20m intervals on pile foundation. This structure is constructed in the divider space between road lanes. Sky Bus follows existing road routes without disturbing traffic.

1.3 Switching arrangements
There are no points and crossings in Sky Bus Metro. The switching arrangements in the form of traverser or Y-connection/linearly shifting traverser/angular switch are provided at appropriate locations to shift the Sky Bus consists between track for the operational requirements and also for balancing the loads/ changing routes too as well as shift units to depot lines etc.

Well proven 3 Phase AC motor technology,Well established structural design norms and proven technologies of prefabricated and pre-stressed concrete technologies, Konkan Railway's Anti-Collision Device technology. For optimization of Sky Bus Metro Technology and its commercial implementation, KRCL is seeking “ Global Expression of Interest “ for forging strategic business alliance on revenue sharing basis or similar model on its commercial deployment.

THE COMPONENTS OF SKYBUS

The system Sky Bus Metro consists of several conventional and some new proven technologies, which makes the Sky bus more efficient. These are designed so that to keep the sky bus moving without any defect and to give the passengers the ultimate comfort along with other luxurious facilities which they can not get in the local buses or in trains.

The components used in this are,

      Sky way

     Sky bogies

     Sky coaches

       Sky stations

       Switching arrangements for change of tracks

4.1 Sky way

1. The sky way consists of a concrete box structure 8.4 X 2.4 m. carried over a series of piers at a height of 9 – 10 m. above the existing road level.

2. In the middle of the roadway, pile foundations support 1 m. diameter columns approximately 8 m. high, and at a spacing of 15 m. all along the roadway.

3. It has two heavy 52 – 60 kg. / Metre rails fixed with appropriate fastenings within the concrete box support at standard gauge that guide the sky bogie.

iv. There are no points & crossings.

4.2 Bogies

1. Standard two axle bogies can be used in metros for speeds of 100 kmph (but can have higher speeds if required, upto 160 kmph) of standard gauge.

2. Linear Induction motor technology is incorporated with 4 th rail driving, which is above the bogie and 3 phase AC motors with regenerative power capability are used.

3. Third Rail is used for current collection.

4. Braking – Since the bogie is mounted, 3 levels of braking namely – Regenerative, disc brakes and finally, Emergency mechanical brakes are provide to ensure the safety of commuters.

                                                                               Figure:-  Skybus bogie1

Figure:- Skybus bogies arrangement

4.3 Coaches

 The coaches are double walled lightweight shells with wide larger windows & are suspended below the rails. The air conditioned coaches have 4m-wide automatic doors. They offer audiovisual information to passengers. Each pair of coaches carries 300 passengers. Each coach is 9.25m long and 3.2 m wide. "Trains" consist of two coaches, with total length of 18.5m.

1. These are double walled light shells with large wide windows suspended from the sky bogies.

2. Controlled banking on curves is possible. Curves with radii of 50 m. can be negotiated.

3. The coaches are air conditioned and fixed with automatic doors.

4. They have audio visual information to assist the passengers.

5. They also have special 4 m. wide sliding doors for quick entry and exit of passengers.

6. Each pair of coaches carries 300 persons and service every one minute or 30 seconds is possible.

4.4 Traverser

The traverser automatically shifts units between tracks. The traverser is a modified form of transverser used in others industries for lifting & shifting objects. In the traverser a platform of track is hung to a bogie which consist of a motor & is also mounted on the track. The traverser acts like a station. A distance of 50m from the last station to the traverser is maintained to provide holding capacity for two units as a third unit is getting traversed in case of unforeseen                                                  .
4.5 Sky Stations

 The station is an air-conditioned platform 5.5m above ground. Stations have automatic doors and lifts. A smart card opens the station door. The station fits in a 50m long spot.

1. Unlike conventional mass transit systems, Sky Bus needs smaller stations about 50 m. long.

2. Stations are available at every 1 km. It is a natural footbridge across the road. From up line to down line the station provides natural access, which is easy.

3. Service is available at every 30 seconds or 1 minute, which means virtually no waiting time for passengers.

4. Totally automated without drivers, access control is electronic by prepaid cards being swiped in.

5. Stations act only as an access facility, and not as passenger holding area.

Figure:-  A Skybus Metro car at a station

WORKING PRINCIPLE OF SKYBUS

                                                                                                                        

SALIENT FEATURES OF SKYBUS

 5.1 Signal & train control:                                                                                      

Simple three aspect signal system driven by line of sight by motorman, with additional unique safety layer of Raksha Kavach, capable of providing 40 sec headway- but planned 60 sec. All along the route the alignment is typically located on the median ( 1.2m diameter columns at about 20m spacing) of the road, needing right of way at 6.5m above the road, the fixed structure carrying railway tracks located at about 11m- thus avoiding claustrophobic effect for road users. Typical road widths normally of 10m all along and at station locations 20m width for 60m length desirable. Depots will be outside the urban areas, needing about 25 hectares land for services for every 10 km route. Stations are located with access from existing footpaths, and over and above existing roadways, none of them longer than 60m to cater to next 100 years of requirements.

 5.2 Route Capacity                                                                                                              

A Sky bus route can thus be designed even at 60 sec headway, to carry 20,000 to 70,000 passengers per hour per direction in peak period. Each Skybus unit 20m long having two compartments( 3.25m x 9.5m) of 9.5 m , can carry almost 400 persons at 7 persons/sq.m density peak. Current concept of a railway terminal replaced in this “grid” system, by a multi point distributed discharge and access- almost eliminating inter-modal transfers. Each station designed for handling whatever commuters can arrive on a 4m wide foot-path- with waiting time less than one minute

5.3 Security and safety:                                                                                           

Continuous computerized central monitoring & control with provision of audio/visual access for each coach for security. Distributed intelligence systems with redundancy to provide protection against swinging under wind loads/emergency localized control/ prevent over-loading/ emergency evacuation guidance. . Will carry international class safety certification by renowned world class safety certifiers. Guaranteed against derailments and capsizing- making it a unique railway, where coaches can never escape the tracks.

5.4 Easy Access:                                                                                                       

Access is from existing footpaths, climb limited to 6 m for passengers- within 500 to 600m from wherever you are on the road having Sky bus route.

5.5 Stations:

It is located with access from existing footpaths, and over and above existing roadways, none of them longer than 60m to cater to next 100 years of requirements Maintenance is through continuous monitoring of vibration signatures, and directed by need automatically by computerized systems- much more advanced than existing manual inspections only and periodic checks. All the sub-systems /elements are to existing UIC/Indian Railway codal practices applicable to railway transport

5.6  Power requirements:

Typically for tropical climate conditions, for a module of 10 km route, 15 MW power needed covering traction and all services including comfort air-conditioning loads at stations.

5.7 Quality of service and pricing:

With access within 500 to 700m walking distance, air-condition travel at 100 kmph , service available at less than a minute during peak hours, priced at Re 1.50 per km falling to Re 1 for regular travels with lead of more than 7km can be provided. typical) (year 2005)- if rider shipper a 10 km route is a little more than 3 lacks per day.

ADVANTAGES

1. Fast Transportation

Every two - three minute passengers to get Air Conditioned up to 100 km/h speed travel  facility, covering distances at about 45 km/hr average speed.

2. Minimal Land Acquisition Problems

 In this new technology of `Sky Wheels’, Minimal land acquisition will be required, except for providing for right of  way on existing roadways.

3. No Vandalism

Not vulnerable to vandalism on track / moving gears are inaccessible.

4. No capsizing

 If at all derails cannot fall down coach keeps hanging. Hence no capsizing takes place as compared to railways and underground metros.

5. Construction

a. Skybus uses factory produced pre- fabricated technologies with post tensioning and causes least disturbance to the daily life of city during construction.

b. It takes only 24 months to complete because of minimum problems of land and parallel activities of pre-fabricated structures. Other metro rails take 5 to 7 years!

 6. Charges

a. At Rs 250 per person per 500 km of air-condition travel anywhere to anywhere, in a month, it is affordable for regular city commuter.

b. Minimum entry charges of Rs 5 will apply and floating or occasional users will be charged at Rs 2 per km.

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CASE STUDIES

 Need

Cities have limited transport zones historically fixed and do not expand or cannot be expanded because of built up habitats and businesses, to meet fast growing needs of urban population. Road based systems have low lineal density and quickly get saturated. The rail based system with high lineal density in capacity, and being rail guided can provide for automated fast transportation, but needs to be flexible to follow existing roads both in line and level to be economical and non-invasive to cause little damage to existing businesses and habitats.

Ideal requirements:

 We desire for a system capable of the meeting following requirements.
1.Follow the same right of way as existing roads either elevated or sub-way- and not requiring tunneling.
2.No large stations, but easy access from existing foot paths- rate of inflow to be matched by rate of servicing
3.No noise pollution nor any chance of collateral damage if failure occurs on the system while the system should satisfy the prescribed safety norms under UIC/ Indian Rly codes and regulations.
4.The rolling units and rail guidance such that no separation can take place, and there should be no capsizing of the module carrying passengers.
5.There should be no chance of getting stranded of a coach in between stations, no sudden power failures.
6.There shall be no possibility of collision between the units to endanger lives.
7.The entire existing road traffic should remain unhindered
8.Not a single habitat or business should need relocation.
9.Environmental friendly energy consumption thus reducing global warming
10.Level of service:
1.Air-condition and high speed 100 kmph max speed
2.Access should be within 250m from any point on the road and in any case nor more than 500m within the city.

Gravity Power Towers:                            
Gravity Powered Urban Mass Rail transportation system meets all these requirements with scalable capacity and can take grades too, because it does not depend on rail/wheel adhesion for traction. The details are described in another technical paper with drawings. The estimates covering the cost of a typical project for a city of route length of 100km , operation, maintenance, interest and depreciation amounts, the expected revenues at 50ps per km and the expected profits are worked out. Energy saving compared to current mode is 94% which is because we are tapping the alternate source of gravity power and the profits for a commercial venture can be of the order of 50% as ROC, after debt servicing and meeting all expenses including provision for depreciation.

Notes:
1.A rolling module is 3.5mwide x 20m long and at 7m/sq.m can carry 400 persons standing.
2.Headway of 20 sec is such that when one unit gets serviced at a station, the service time being 20 sec, another would be arriving to take its place. The access from vertical lifts of high capacity also driven by gravity power tower, can feed/evacuate at 400 persons per 15 seconds.
3.The revenues worked out assuming 70% of utilisation of capacity in terms of passenger.km , even if it falls by 50%, then also 25% profit is assured.
4.The costing is based on 50% being a sub-way ( cut-cover close to road surface) and rest elevated system- there is no tunneling.

SAFETY MEASURES

•         Compared to conventional railway systems, the centre of gravity of the mass being carried on the wheels is brought down to be closer to the wheel support. hence dynamic  safety is many time improved .

•          In conventional railway wind can topple the trains. In Sky Bus wind cannot topple- there is positive link between the rail guidance system and the Bus Coaches- with 400%.

The railway bogies in conventional system have propensity to lose control on derailment, but additional safety in Sky Bus bogie is that we have derailment arresters, which prevents the wheel from jumping off the rails. So we are ensuring that there is no derailment. safety factor built into multiple.

Fig:- Safety Measures