Considering the 17 basic functional system requirements identified in WP 1.3, and to assure the traceability of the work performed in WP 3.1, we have analysed how the functional requirements of an interchange can help to meet the functional requirements of the whole EBSF system, as follows:
1. EBSF shall make an efficient use of urban space
In an urban environment, public and transport authorities need to efficiently use the public space and consider their decisions concerning urban development planning well.
Interchange requirements: strategic location, urban integration, integration of different modes and mobility demands.
2. EBSF shall improve the attractiveness of the bus service as a mean to modal shift without adding constraints to people
Aspects which improve attractiveness of the bus service must be enhanced to encourage users to shift to public transport without suffering constraints.
Interchange requirements: integration of different modes and mobility demands, reduce transfer time, information and signalling, quality of waiting areas and environment, accessibility, offer other services, safety and security.
3. EBSF shall contribute to improve the city image
A PT-service, integrated in the city-environment, which allows people to go to their destinations without practical issues, enables the city to focus on its living and working- functions.
Interchange requirements: urban integration, integration of different modes and mobility demands, information and signalling, accessibility, safety and security.
4. EBSF shall provide to the different categories of users high quality services integrated in their operational environment
EBSF will combine a set of complementary services for all size of cities and transport organization concepts. Passengers with different needs, goals, experiences and expectations must find a common interest in the PT system.
Interchange requirements: integration of different modes and mobility demands, reduce transfer time, information and signalling, quality of waiting areas and environment, accessibility, offer other services, safety and security.
5. EBSF shall efficiently interact with soft modes of transport
Interaction with soft modes requires coordination and planning, as well as more operational aspects on transport devices, interchanges, information, etc.
Interchange requirements: strategic location, urban integration, integration of different modes and mobility demands, reduce transfer time, information and signalling, accessibility.
6. EBSF shall offer to decision makers, different options for Bus System Solutions implementation
EBSF will foresee tools to assess its quality parameters, providing the European decision makers with the most appropriate information to make right implementation choices, come to best solutions, pursue optimization in investments etc.
Interchange requirements: integration of different modes and mobility demands, interchange management and operation.
7. EBSF shall implement fare pricing policy and efficient fare collection
To come to a client-oriented solution and keep the system affordable for customers and operator, EBSF emphasizes the importance of a clear, correct and, where appropriate, integrated fare policy and collection.
Interchange requirements: integration of different modes and mobility demands, reduce transfer time, information and signalling, meet operating needs, interchange management and operation.
8. EBSF shall improve passenger comfort and flow
PT-users look for a transport mode which can compare and be better than private transport modes in travel time and permanently perceived comfort.
Interchange requirements: integration of different modes and mobility demands, reduce transfer time, information and signalling, quality of waiting areas and environment, accessibility, offer other services, interchange management and operation, safety and security.
9. EBSF shall implement Safety and Security Management tools and processes
EBSF foresees the use of most modern practices and tools for Safety and Security Management and requires every evolution related to the Bus Transport to be subject to safety and security assessments.
Interchange requirements: information and signalling, offer other services, interchange management and operation, safety and security.
10. EBSF shall provide timely and complete information to the passenger during the entire trip, from the planning to the efficient door-to-door navigation
The PT-user requests complete, permanent, available and updated information to make his travel from A to B and remain informed about possible changes all along the trip.
Interchange requirements: integration of different modes and mobility demands, reduce transfer time, information and signalling, accessibility, interchange management and operation.
11. EBSF shall improve accessibility of users to the EBSF elements
The complex structure of EBSF with its fares, network-choices, safety-solutions etc. has to be easy to understand by all kinds of users.
Interchange requirements: strategic location, urban integration, integration of different modes and mobility demands, reduce transfer time, information and signalling, quality of waiting areas and environment, accessibility, safety and security.
12. EBSF shall improve environmental performance of the Bus service
At all moments in its life cycle, the elements of PT need to consider environmental performance at the highest level to distinguish itself from private transport. Environmental Management tools and processes shall become common practice.
Interchange requirements: strategic location, integration of different modes and mobility demands, quality of waiting areas and environment, interchange management and operation.
13. EBSF shall facilitate and promote the smart use of existing and alternative energy resources
The smart use of the resources (maximal performance per energy-use) and research and development of alternative and cleaner energy sources are key points for PT, in order to maintain the perception of an environment-friendly transport mode.
Interchange requirements: strategic location, quality of waiting areas and environment, interchange management and operation.
14. EBSF shall maximize the use of open technical and operational standards, existing or new
EBSF considers that the high use of shared standards (current and future) in technics and operations (practices) is an important element to reduce costs in maintenance, promote job-satisfaction in operations and enhance product-recognition for PT users.
Interchange requirements: meet operating needs, interchange management and operation.
15. EBSF shall be modular and flexible enough to adapt itself to each specific operational and environmental conditions
Modularity at all levels shall be considered to balance the standardization required by the operator and industry, and the individualization of the offered service preferred by the user, with benefits on environmental field, to offer a solution for different kinds of users.
Interchange requirements: meet operating needs, interchange management and operation.
16. EBSF shall allow reduction of the operational costs
EBSF encourages both cost-controlling and the development/introduction of technologies and practices for operational cost reduction/control to allow operators to reduce operational costs, with impact on the subsidizing government or the customers.
Interchange requirements: strategic location, integration of different modes and mobility demands, meet operating needs, interchange management and operation.
17. EBSF shall be capable to evolve according to new upcoming needs or advantageous technologies
EBSF will be capable to identify and assess the most promising future technologies (IT, engines, etc.) and upcoming needs (social, economical and environmental) by offering a platform for the definition, development and test of such new solutions.
Interchange requirements: integration of different modes and mobility demands, reduce transfer time, information and signalling, quality of waiting areas and environment,
accessibility, offer other services, meet operating needs, interchange management and operation, safety and security.