Trial run of a wheelchair-accessible trolleybus is taking place in Ekaterinburg
In the city of Uralmash, the authorities are testing a new low-floor trolleybus model, the 5265 "Megapolis". This modern trolleybus, produced by ZAO "Trolza" (Engels), is designed to enhance accessibility for people with disabilities.
The "Megapolis" model boasts a lowering platform, eliminating steps at the entrance and exit, which is a significant advantage for disabled passengers. However, concerns have been raised about its salon layout. Vladimir Sytnikov, Deputy Director of the Ordjonikidze depot, expressed skepticism, stating that the narrow passage may not allow passengers to spread out during rush hour.
Despite these concerns, the trolleybus is expected to have a 30% reduction in electricity consumption, making it an energy-efficient choice. It can accommodate 100 people, with 28 seats, and is equipped with four standard heaters, enabling the cabin to remain warm even at -30°C.
The "Megapolis" trolleybus will run on route No. 8 in Uralmash, and the city authorities will decide whether to purchase the trolleybus based on passenger feedback.
While there are no specific relevant search results providing a cost-benefit analysis or detailed specifications of the 5265 "Megapolis" compared to regular trolleybuses or other transit options for people with disabilities in the Ural region, it is generally understood that the "Megapolis" model involves higher acquisition and maintenance costs due to advanced technology and accessibility equipment.
However, these costs can be offset by societal benefits, including improved inclusiveness, reduced social isolation, and potential increases in ridership. Compared to other transit options such as paratransit services or minibuses equipped with lifts, the "Megapolis" trolleybus offers mass transit capacity, lower per-passenger operating costs, and integration into regular routes, improving independence and convenience.
For a detailed quantitative cost-benefit analysis, local transit agency reports or studies would be required, including purchase price and maintenance costs of the 5265 "Megapolis" versus older trolleybuses, operational cost differences, ridership data, particularly for passengers with disabilities, alternative transit modes availability and accessibility, and regional demographics and demand.
In a parallel development, in November 2013, the first low-floor tram was presented in Yekaterinburg, produced by OJSC "Uraltransmash". The new model 71409 is a modular articulated tram consisting of three sections, and it can accommodate 210 passengers. The wagon's design facilitates boarding and alighting for elderly passengers, individuals with mobility impairments, and parents with strollers.
As the "Megapolis" trolleybus undergoes its three-month trial operation, the city authorities and passengers will decide if this modern, accessible transportation solution is the right choice for Uralmash.
The "Megapolis" trolleybus, with its lowering platform and improved accessibility, might potentially engage more passengers in Uralmash's public-transit industry, especially those with disabilities. Despite concerns regarding its salon layout and increased costs, the financial benefits could stem from societal advantages such as reduced social isolation and increased ridership, making it competitive against other transportation options like paratransit services or minibuses in the Ural region.
In light of the testing of the 5265 "Megapolis" trolleybus and the presentation of the low-floor tram 71409 in Yekaterinburg, the finance and transportation sectors in Uralmash and neighboring cities may witness advancements in public-transit provision, aiming to cater to a diverse range of passengers with varying mobility needs.
