Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Stabroek Area
: A research project to access problems within the streets of the Stabroek, New town and
Robbstown areas and engineer a sustainable environment to facilitate transportation and
commercial business activity within the project area.
CIV 401
University of Guyana
Kwesi Mcdonald
8/24/2009
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Terminology Definition/Comment
Georgetown The capital and largest city of Guyana. Georgetown is located at
6°48′N 58°10′W. The city serves primarily as a retail and
administrative Centre. It also serves as a financial services Centre.
Market A system that allows buyers and sellers to exchange any
type of goods, services and information.
Street vendors These firms are classified as direct selling, non-store
retailers. They may include any vending business selling perishable
or non-perishable goods from the structure of a tent or a motor
vehicle.
Stabroek market The physical structure and streets within the project area
which facilitates transportation and commerce
Minibus Toyota Hiace commuter body type (pre-2004)
Coaster Toyota Coaster 30-S commuter bus
Minibus system Hail and ride bus service provided by privately owned
minibuses with routes designated by Ministry of Home affairs,
Guyana.
Walkway Space provided for pedestrian traffic
Roadway Space provided for vehicular traffic
Board the act of going on to a bus, ship, aircraft, etc.
Alight To get down, as from a vehicle; dismount
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Summary
In 2008 traffic signals were installed along the avenue of the republic in
Georgetown, this avenue was previously being used to provide on-street bus operations
for several bus routes. These bus operations were relocated to Stabroek market area,
following articles that appeared in the newspapers complaining about the negative
effects of these bus operations in the area this project was initiated.
The initial stages required the review of literature regarding bus operations,
particularly in developing countries and their development. Consequently aspects of
pedestrian travel and the relationship between efficient transport infrastructure and
commercial business operations had to be examined. Field assessments were conducted
and it was determined that the bus parks had reduced on-street parking capacity of
private vehicles and contributed to a poor pedestrian environment in association with
walkway encumbrances such as non-store street vendors.
With methodologies obtained from the literature review and data from the two
public transportation surveys conducted in Guyana, a sustainable methodology for the
improvement of the minibus service in Georgetown was identified. This methodology
generally involves establishing bus terminals within areas where these buses provide
boarding and alighting and reducing bus zones to enable this system of terminals.
Since a significant majority of minibuses that park within the Stabroek area do
not provide bus service within Georgetown, the number of minibuses parks required
would be dramatically reduced and would provide an improvement to the pedestrian
transport, on-street parking as well as public transportation operations in the area ; all
of which are essential elements to a functioning commercial area.
Contents
1.0 Introduction ............................................................................................. 1
The initial motivation and ultimate of aim of civil engineering is to improve the
quality of life of the civil population, whether it is a road or a groundwater well the
positive effect of a higher quality of life is important to a society as its population
increases. This paper seeks to initiate changes in the transportation system of Stabroek
market and improve the quality of life for persons who frequent the area.
“Unfortunately, some public transport policy studies have been no more than
shopping lists of ways of improving the public transport system. They have started out by
what amounts almost to an inventory of the public transport network including its
shortcomings. (It is often overlooked that there can be no such thing as a shortcoming
unless it has been demonstrated that there is a need or desire to remedy it.) Public
transport studies should not start out by examining technology. They should start by
examining what kind of public transport services are needed, then proceed to analyse
what technological contributions may help to meet these needs.” (Simpson, 1994)
This excerpt basically outlines the methodology of this design project, which
attempts to address the needs of stakeholders in the activities that occur in the streets of
the Stabroek area. The research is directed primarily at minibuses and pedestrians within
the streets that emanate from Stabroek market.
Reviewing multiple books, research papers and design guidelines; recurring
elements of a public bus station design emerge and these form the basis of the literature
review. This project attempts to cover every new element in urban engineering as well as
all the primary themes needed to engineer a sustainable environment for stakeholders of
the Stabroek area. However this project will only serve as an initial design of larger more
complex series of engineering methodologies which should be applied to the Stabroek
area.
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The genesis of this project lies in newspaper articles featuring the mayor of Georgetown
complaining about the negative effect that minibus parks moved into the Stabroek square
have on the commercial operations of the area.
Additionally the new vendors‟ mall meets most of the guidelines for a pedestrian
shopping area so there was no need for study this aspect; i.e. it has walkways of sufficient
width , effective lighting, areas visible from public streets, comfortable and aesthetic
environment; however it do not possess information/signage to improve the use of the
facility.
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2.0 BACKGROUND
The Stabroek square area features a covered public market of steel framed structure, with
the connected frames fabricated from sections and rolled into shape by ingots of hot steel, with a
floor space of approximately 76,728 square feet with a total weight of 635 tons, the structure,
built partly on land and water. A large bitumen covered square is linked to several streets
transforming the Stabroek market into a central hub of activity in Georgetown. The market
structure itself serves as a water transport hub for passengers and goods.
With the installation of traffic lights on avenue of the republic minibuses have been
forced into the streets and square of the area, conflicting with pedestrians and street vendors.
Previous plans from government agencies generally propose one idea, spread the
operations of Stabroek market, with new bus parks and vendor arcades to be scattered across the
city. This proposes a further problem, what happens in the new areas to host these operations
when they too become unsustainable? With increasing residential developments and plans for
new towns the need for sustainable urban engineering will only increase. Implemented projects
have failed to remain viable and the minibuses and vendors simply reverted to the old situation,
which they assume is the best to serve their needs. An example would the attempt by the
M.&C.C. to move the U.G./Industry bus park to East Street Bourda in 2008. The environment
within Stabroek market is being replicated throughout Guyana, at housing schemes, bridge
crossings etc and a technical effort should be made to improve the quality of life for stakeholders
within the area.
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3.0 STATEMENT OF PROBLEM
This research seeks to provide stakeholders of the Stabroek market area with the
recommendations that will sustainably address the parking of public transportation buses, private
cars and the encumbrance of vendors on streets and pavements within the Stabroek market area.
4.0 OBJECTIVES
5.0 SCOPE
a) This project area will cover minibus parking and commercial street
activity in the area west of avenue of the republic bounded by Robb
Street and Hadfield Street;
b) This project will examine stakeholders of activities which occur on the
roadway of the project area;
c) The stall holders within Stabroek market will not be considered;
d) Taxis will not be considered in this project;
e) Drainage will not be considered in this project;
f) Only a preliminary design will be produced without extensive
structural, geotechnical or architectural design.
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Satellite View of Georgetown
with project area highlighted,
image © google earth
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markets and bus parks have not been entirely successful. This research although focused on
Georgetown can serve a basis for other projects around Guyana.
Also with a more attractive environment the Stabroek area would be revitalized and
encourage the possibility of further commercial development.
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7.0 LITERATURE REVIEW
This literature review outlines the components of a transportation facility that features
commercial activity; it intends to fill the gap in knowledge that a civil engineer in Guyana should
have during the design process.
This review was produced as I read the literature as also services a documentation of this
process. The points outlined serve as a guide by which more advanced literature can be
reviewed.
Other literature reviewed includes:
Guyana Transport Sector Study of 2005
Books related to Urban Design
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7.1 GREATER GEORGETOWN DEVELOPMENT PLAN (2001-2010)
The „Greater Georgetown Development Plan (2001-2010)‟ was published in March 2002
by the Central Housing and Planning Authority of the Ministry of Housing and Water. The Plan
is the principal document available which presents any future perspective on planning for
transportation in the City of Georgetown. The general stated transport-related aims of the Plan
are to:
„Obtain more efficient links with the national roads networks;
Plan primary and other roads networks in and around the town;
Provide efficient travel, through the use of public transport, cycling and walking.‟
The plan outlines general priorities transport users in the following order of priority:
„pedestrians and those with impaired mobility;
cyclists;
The Plan also includes a series of „Transport Policy Statements‟ for Georgetown.
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7.2 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Sustainability has been defined as “meeting the needs of the current generation without
impacting the needs of future generations to meet their own needs” and is often interpreted as
mutually advancing the goals of prosperity, environment, and society. The sustainable
development debate is based on the assumption that societies need to manage three types of
capital (economic, social, and natural), which may be non-substitutable and whose consumption
might be irreversible. In most countries the availability of capital for project implementation or
maintenance is always an issue, when capital is available the “business as usual” mentality does
not encourage the optimized resource allocation. Employing design methodologies such as green
engineering is one means by which to integrate sustainable development into an engineering
design.
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7.3 GREEN ENGINEERING
Historically the trend of environmental degradation has been associated with increasing
human population and development. This trend also puts a strain on resources required to
improve the quality of life of the population. Green Engineering, along with Green Chemistry
(Anastas, 1998), are engaged through science and technology on ensuring that quality of life, or
state of economic development, is increasing through benign chemicals and materials and life
cycle-based design as well as material and energy efficiency and effectiveness. This decouples
the historical relationship of population growth and environmental degradation on the path
towards an improved quality of life. (Zimmerman, 2005)
The 12 Principles of Green Engineering (Anastas, 2003):
PRINCIPLE 1 - Designers need to strive to ensure that all material and energy
inputs and outputs are as inherently non-hazardous as possible.
PRINCIPLE 2 - It is better to prevent waste than to treat or clean up waste after it
is formed.
PRINCIPLE 3 -Separation and purification operations should be a component of
the design framework.
PRINCIPLE 4 - System components should be designed to maximize mass,
energy and temporal efficiency.
PRINCIPLE 5 - System components should be output pulled rather than input
pushed through the use of energy and materials.
PRINCIPLE 6 - Embedded entropy and complexity must be viewed as an
investment when making design choices on recycle, reuse or beneficial
disposition.
PRINCIPLE 7 - Targeted durability, not immortality, should be a design goal.
PRINCIPLE 8 - Design for unnecessary capacity or capability should be
considered a design flaw. This includes engineering “one size fits all” solutions.
PRINCIPLE 9 - Multi-component products should strive for material unification
to promote disassembly and value retention. (minimize material diversity)
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PRINCIPLE 10 - Design of processes and systems must include integration of
interconnectivity with available energy and materials flows.
PRINCIPLE 11 - Performance metrics include designing for performance in
commercial “after-life”.
PRINCIPLE 12 - Design should be based on renewable and readily available
inputs throughout the life cycle.
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7.4 PEDESTRIAN MODELING
A pedestrian model provides estimated values for the number of people walking on each
street in a particular area under study. It is based on a statistical model which links real observed
flows with a range of factors that have been shown to influence movement patterns. Some of the
major factors are land uses, transportation links, pavement capacity and the layout of the street
network itself. Pedestrian models give an early indication on how pedestrians will use the streets
or roads in an area.
The model brings an empirical, scientific approach to design evaluation by measuring a
key performance index: foot traffic on the streets. The model is a design evaluation tool,
allowing transport planner to test different designs to get the best result.
Historical models of pedestrian movement have generally been limited to the
macroscopic scale, grouping individuals as a group and analyzing their movement as a mass.
Commonly models were determined from statistical regression to determine the most important
factors influencing walking volumes and Fluid-flow analysis treats pedestrian movement as a
fluid moving around obstacles. (Batty, 2001). Modern models attempt to simulate microscopic
pedestrian movement by analyzing pedestrians as individual objects; the most common of these
is an agent-based pedestrian model.
The effective pedestrian model for a public transport facility must identify and analyze
certain process of pedestrian movement such walking behavior of pedestrians, pedestrians
performing activities, and the interaction of passengers with public transport vehicles. (Daamen,
2004)
The US FHWA identifies some attributes of pedestrian movement that are important in
their Pedestrian Planning Process Manual (Kagan, Scott, and Avin, 1978), these are:
Accessibility;
Amenities;
Attractiveness;
Physical comfort;
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Psychological comfort;
Information; and
Safety.
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7.5 PEDESTRIANISATION
only allowed in specific periods. In order to minimize vehicular access to the area,
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there is no on-street parking space. However, loading bays are provided for
Traffic Calming Street: In traffic calming streets, footpaths are normally widened
and on-street parking spaces are reduced as far as possible. Taxi stands and green
restriction to vehicular access. However, vehicles are slowed down through the
use of traffic calming measures, such as speed tables, kerb build-outs, sharpened
Some Studies suggest that the decision to walk is influenced by attractiveness of the
environment, and generally reducing the feeling of inferiority compared to road users. (Tight,
Kelly, Hodgon, & Page, 2004)
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7.6 SECTIONS BUS STATION DESIGN
The above statement describes the relationship that exists between land use policy and
public transportation, the latter of which is basically not considered by planners. Public
transportation planning is hindered by the availability of land, this situation demands stations and
bus stops to be highly efficient and innovative in their land use to ensure that their successful in
their purpose.
Bus services are usually planned to follow land uses and activities, their focus on
customer convenience is to attract ridership and ultimately revenue. This convenience can be
represented in locating bus station and bus stops within a reasonable walking distance of the
pedestrian. It must also allow passengers to board and alight safely. Ideal locations for bus stops
are places of particular need such as shops, libraries and sheltered housing. Consultation of a
location may include the police, public works authority, businesses and the public. In some cities
bus services operate without the use of bus stations, by coordinating their activity on city streets
in conjunction with road traffic restrictions.
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Accessible bus stop design guidance (2006)
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7.6.2 Operation of a bus station
The operations of a bus station differ from a bus stop in that a station offers more
services, multiple bus routes, route interchange etc; a bus station is also associated with the
termination point of a route. A station also facilitates waiting areas, commercial business activity
and is a focus for planning high density land uses.
Enclosing buses in a confined space is always liable to make exhaust emissions, noise,
and leakage of oil and the other environmental effects of buses much worse than in the open. The
environment of most enclosed bus stations varies from poor to disastrous (Simpson, 1994).
Passenger safety within bus stations is concerned with two aspects, safety from vehicles,
track, electrical and other equipment and safety from assault. Attempts to isolate pedestrians
from vehicular traffic will sometimes expose the pedestrian to crimes which are relatively easy to
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get away with. Safety from assault is an overwhelming concern of public transposition stations
with varying methodologies to address them. The basic design involves an open plan and in an
elevated position so that the area is visible to passers-by.
Safety of pedestrians from vehicles can be addressed by several means. In bus stations,
there should be a clear delineation and separation of passengers and vehicles. Passengers should
not have to cross road space used by vehicles. Elimination of the need for vehicles to reverse will
also help to reduce accidents. Unfortunately these represent ideal conditions. They are not
always practical on the sites available and compromises have to be made.
Bays for buses in a station can be either at right angles to the passenger area, parallel to it,
or in echelon (at an angle to the aisle (an acute angle with the direction of approach). Bus bays at
right angles or in echelon will need reversing space but give a greater capacity for the frontage of
the passenger waiting area. Shunting bus maneuvers involves vehicle only sets down passengers
on to their concourse before moving away to park or to a bay position for collecting passengers.
In practice, angled parking usually falls between 20 and 50 degrees (Blow, 2005).
The platform provides a safety barrier between the bus and pedestrian and extends the
benefits of the waiting area such as a roof overhang until the passenger boards.
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enhancement can be developed. The staff managing a station may also be trained to deal with
conflict and aggression. The maintenance of a station to creates a sense of management and
control, thus reducing fear; such maintenance includes repair lighting and trimming landscape.
Some design features become a potential threat if they are not well maintained.
The following is a list of points derived from the secure station program in the U.K.
(Department of Transport):
Site perimeters, entrances and exits: entrances and exits should be clearly
marked and, when the station is open, allow clear visibility both inwards and
outwards. Example of good practice would be: the use of „open‟ fencing rather
Formal surveillance The presence and visibility of staff and CCTV provides a
practice include: the use of „open‟ fencing rather than solid walls, encouraging the
„busy‟ atmosphere (taking care that they do not obstruct passenger exits) making
waiting areas visible to other passengers and staff, through the use of glazing
Landscaping Landscape design can make a station more attractive and develop a
include: using slow-growing shrubs which cannot grow too large, use of prickly
Lighting: Apprehension about personal security and crime increases after dark.
Examples of good practice include: uniform lighting, so that it does not create
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pools of intense brightness, silhouette on-coming pedestrians, or temporarily blind
people with its intensity the use of matt surfaces to minimise the possibility of
Visibility, It is not only the ability to see ahead and along a route but, in the case
of any potential threats to personal security, to have space and time to anticipate
security, and can discourage those with criminal intent. Maps, signage and
timetables help the passenger make informed decisions and proceed confidently.
Calling for help Passengers need to know that they can get help in an emergency.
response.
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7.7 MARKETS AND STREET VENDORS
Street vending is an important business activity and often more prevalent in large cities.
Many of these vendors cater to workers that are heading to or from work or during lunch hour.
Many street vendors sell standard food items such as hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, fruit, pastries
and salads, and coffee, soft drinks, tea and juices as well as specialty food items like ice cream,
bagels and snow cones. Others may sell merchandise such as scarves, t-shirts and other clothing
items, jewelry, and small electronic items such as radios, etc. (Lynn Andersen Lindberg, 2004)
Sophisticated street vendors can act as agents of store retailers corporations or franchises.
Streets vendors target potential customers by increasing their access to them, situating
themselves in locations of high pedestrian density and where other commercial businesses are
insufficiently meeting demand such as stadiums, office buildings, hospitals and malls. The key
element of a street vendor business is a market which has not reached its saturation point (at
which the market is not profitable), and where the street vendor and client form a friendly and
profitable relationship. Markets should be developed where growth potential exists and where
the vendor has a price or some other advantage (Lynn Andersen Lindberg, 2004). A vendor
would be expected to assess the income characteristics and needs of the community they intend
to interact with.
An organized vendor mall seeks to accomplish the same goals as a profit oriented bus
station, to attract potential clients and develop a market.
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7.8 FERRY TERMINAL AND PASSENGER BOATS
A ferry terminal is intended to provide safe and efficient transfer of passengers from a
ferry to platform which leads into an area. Tidal movements often create a difference in height
between the boat and pier, and small passenger boats are often subject to motion due to waves.
Internationally small metal or fibreglass boats which can accommodate 10, 15 or 30
passengers are used in low density population area for water transport to islands. Ferry services
are usually operated as a time based service providing efficient and constant transportation.
Piers for small boats often extend normally from the shoreline with parallel bays for
passenger transfer.
20 persons
Fiberglass
passenger boat (http://shirabu-fiberglass.itrademarket.com/1086840/passenger-boat-12-meters.htm)
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7.9 ON-STREET PARKING
Convenient on street parking in a downtown commercial area is essential to the long term
viability of the area. Since reversing into the public “right of way” is considered dangerous,
parallel parking is the most common parking method employed and in most areas the only
method permitted.
Angled parking has nearly twice the capacity of parallel parking with 90 degrees parking
having the highest capacity. Since on street parking would involve a flow of traffic along the
parking area, reducing and maintaining a flow of traffic below 40kph, as well as a clear line of
sight are essential for safety. Barriers to prevent drivers from driving on the pedestrian area or
into walls are also important.
“The process of changing parallel to angle parking must consider a number of factors
related to the particular street where the change is being considered. These considerations should
include area type, the classification or type of facility, street width, current traffic volumes,
pedestrian activity, the type of land use, the availability of parking, the impact on adjacent street
segments, transit operations and the potential changes in accidents.” (Edwards, 2002).
Another consideration is the angle of parking with flat angles such as 30 degrees allow
the front doors to swing free of the adjacent car, this can allow small stall widths.
Parking Module (Watson, Plattus, & Shibley, Time-Saver Standards for Urban Design,
2003)
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Formula for parking stalls and Module Dimensions (Watson, Plattus, & Shibley, Time-
Saver Standards for Urban Design, 2003)
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7.10 MINIBUS SURVEYS OF GEORGETOWN.
A principle study of the minibus service in Guyana was conducted as a part of the
Guyana: Transport Sector Study conducted in 2005 under the Ministry of Public works by
GOPA Consultants. A second survey of the minibus service was conducted by ND LEA
Consultants in association with CEMCO INC. in 2003 as part of consultancy services for
Alternative Southern Approach to Georgetown.
These two reports share similar survey results and recommendations, some of findings
contained within these reports are:
Removal of long-distance and non-city bus terminals from Georgetown;
having long boarding times in excess of 30minutes during off-peak periods and
even hourly basis. About 40% of passengers transfer to another route at the
Stabroek terminal.
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Table 3-2
Frequency of Minibus Routes Serving Georgetown Central Area (Inner Cordon)
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8.0 METHODOLOGY
This involved acting as a member of the existing street operation, i.e. as pedestrian
moving streets of the area, loitering, and “stalking” other pedestrians; examining the pavements,
roadway, drains and movement of traffic both pedestrian and vehicular; acting as a private car
parking in the area and a vehicle traversing the area.
I also observed the commerce activity within the area and the relationship with
pedestrians, vehicles and commerce.
Photographs of the all streets within the area were taken during an 8am off-peak holiday;
also the functions of the area with minimal users was observed and recorded during this holiday.
Preliminary condition surveys were conducted on the roadways and pedestrian pavements
to determine if remedial work was necessary.
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8.1.3 Roadway Measurements
Measurements of roads sections identified during the initial field assessment for
improved parking were taken, the widths of paved roadway, road shoulder, drains and walkways
were recorded on Robb Street and Cornhill Street.
The literature review identifies common methodologies for the operation of bus service
stations, pedestrian safety and walking efficiency; these methodologies were examined using the
data obtained during the field assessment to develop guidelines for their implementation in the
project area.
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9.0 DATA PRESENTATAION AND ANALYSIS
chaotic and persons only seem to enter the area to accomplish a pre-determined
task.
Vehicles and pedestrians on most streets in the project area share space creating a
Some store roof overhangs drain rainwater on the pedestrian walkway sometimes
Solid waste management is insufficient and the area is sometimes packed with
heaps of garbage.
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Minibus parking is unregulated or “self-regulated” by the operators, this leads to
the perception of chaos by pedestrians and vehicles not “familiar” with the area.
Minibus operators along with their “touts” harass pedestrians travelling through
Private cars have limited parking space within the area which usually taken by
Vendors particularly cash crop farmers near the Stabroek market entrance are on
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9.2 MINIBUS SERVICE
Minibus Routes, Lengths and Vehicle Allocations (2003), (courtesy of M.P.W. &C.)
Minibus Between And Length Vehicle Notes
Route Number (km) Allocation
21 Supenaam Charity 61.5 150 Essequibo
Coast
31 Georgetown Canal #1 19.5 68 Via WBR
Canal #2 24.0
Patentia 17.5
32 Georgetown Parika 37.5 320 Via WCR
33 Enterprise Cornelia 7.0 10 Legman Is
Goodmans Freetown 9.0
Doctor Fly 10.0
Vertronwen 3.0
Good Success Zeelandia 9.0 Wakenaan Is
Concordia 11.0
Moor Farm 12.0
Marias Pleasure 9.0
Moitgedacht 3.5
40 Georgetown Kitty/Campbelleville 7.25 180
Sophia 8
.5
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63 New Amsterdam Moleson Creek 88.0 336 Via ECR
63A (was Georgetown Moleson Creek 192.5 56 Via ECR
65)
64 New Amsterdam Wyburg 18.0 3
71 Bartica Approximately 10k radius 6
72 Georgetown Madhia 166.0 10-15 est. Via EBR
Source: Traffic Police records and Consultants’ estimates
“It is noted that, due to the configuration of the minibus routes serving the Georgetown
area, many passengers are required to pass through and transfer to another minibus route at the
Stabroek „terminal‟, (or elsewhere within the City where routes may intersect), to enable them to
access their final trip destination. The Consultants‟ on-board minibus surveys suggest that about
43% of passengers travelling to and from Georgetown on the ECR minibus services may
currently have to transfer at Stabroek (or elsewhere within Georgetown), whereas about 40% of
those using EBR minibus routes may also be making a transfer to reach their trip origins or
destinations. Passengers making transfers are required to pay a fare each time they use a
different route” (Ministry of Public Works and Communications – Works Services Group,
consultant‟s Public transport report)
Detailed bus surveys for the Stabroek area were conducted under the Guyana Transport
Sector Study of 2005 provided in Working Paper 14: Urban / Suburban Minibus Services in
Georgetown [Preparations for Special Study No. 1]. The results of that survey and conclusions of
the report indicate high frequencies of departures among local buses particularly during peak
morning hours with as much as 15 seconds for route 41 minibuses but 2mins for route 32
minibuses.
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Routes
Bus services
within
Georgetown
Bus services
outside of city
60
45
50
41
40 46
47
30 40
48
20 31/32
42
10 44/50/63A
43/72
0
Minibuses Parking
Average minibus parking within project area during 30mins of off-peak periods.
The primary reason buses park within Georgetown is simply because it is a guaranteed
location to acquire passengers. A bus operator would view travelling along his route to acquire
customers as a risk; since he must acquire passengers to cover the cost of fuel, maintenance and
his income and there is no assurance of that by simply looking for passengers along the route.
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9.2.1 Case Study: East Bank Route 42
The Route 42 zone allows any commuter bus to board and alight passengers along the
route of Georgetown to Timehri, these buses however segregate themselves into primarily three
bus routes terminating at points at which the bus returns to Georgetown, these points are Craig,
Friendship and Timehri. The latter two only provide boarding and alighting between the two
“turn around points”, thus creating informal terminals based on their knowledge of the social
need and their economic viability. However these buses must still return to Georgetown to board
passengers, because there are no formal terminals at the “turn around point” and no reason to
stop another route 42 bus from simply changing route and taking the passengers.
Minibuses travel long distances to reach their service area and would not
penetrate the service area (“go off route”) but seek to return to the terminal
Bus service for persons desirous of travelling within the service area and not to
persons usually must travel from Craig to Georgetown, then Georgetown passing
by Craig to get to Timehri. This basically means that direct public transportation
is nonexistent between certain areas even though they may be several miles along
Reduce the number of buses that will require parking at any one terminal;
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Allow buses to park and operate more effectively by remaining in the area in
new terminals mitigating the need for vendors to setup operations in Georgetown;
Reduce the fares and operating cost for bus services by reducing the distance they
Minimum Area required for ideal bus station = 78m x 72.8m =5678.4 m2
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This space would exceed the Stabroek market itself and when the roadway space for
normal vehicle traffic, pedestrian travel etc. is considered the space requirements increase
beyond the free land space available within the area.
Note that the dimensions of the parking bay are based on the dimensions of a the Hiace
minibus, a coaster model minibus or a full size bus would require more space.
for parallel parking; Water Street (between Robb and south streets) and Cornhill
Street are the only streets with diagonal parking, these have been setup by
and office staff. Most Parking is occupied by 9am and is held until 5pm;
There are also taxies and minibuses on some streets outside of the bus parks
Private cars involved in retail shopping and other activities have limited and
random parking availability during business hours; this sometimes leads drivers to
Some businesses mark road shoulders for their own purposes such parking for
their personal parking, cargo vehicles or to simply have the entrance of the
Some sections of the road shoulder are occupied by cargo vehicles and containers,
particular on the street behind the new vendor mall, which is occupied by
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container trailers basically turning the street into an extension of the container
shipping facility.
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9.4 PEDESTRIAN ACTIVITY
Walking as mode of transportation within the project area can be described as inhibited
and chaotic, some walkways are encumbered over by vendors (street and in-store); the pedestrian
network is not completely linked and some sections require the pedestrian to travel on the
roadway. Pedestrian movement in the area is dominated by pre-determined destination and route,
so as to avoid obstructions or dangerous traffic.
The pedestrian network does not extend into the sections of the project area which have
been converted to bus parks such as Stabroek square and Brickdam shown above.
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goods secured in canopy on wooden stalls which are left at specific areas at night, sometimes
piled into groups and left on the walkway.
Accessibility: Apart from new commercial buildings the pedestrian network in the
area, the existing pedestrian network has not been updated to meet present
walkway.
Amenities: there no pedestrian amenities such as benches, green space within the
area
Attractiveness: The area has no overall visual theme and each individual store or
street vendor creates the physical and visual environment they desire. The air
within the area can sometime be unpleasant with vehicles pollution, waste and
hindered. Most pedestrians only enter the area with pre-determined destinations
Safety: there are no pedestrians crossings in the area, no speed control such as
bumps, thus vehicles tend to move recklessly fast within the area even around
corners, traffic jams related to pedestrians and bus parks are the main restrictions
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to speeding within the area. With no walkways or encumbered walkways in some
The above figure shows an overlay of pedestrian traffic within the area during an off-peak day
period.
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Pedestrians walk on the roadway at:
Across South and commerce
walkway
pedestrians.
South road where the paved walkway is encumbered by vendors and other
obstacles
On streets where vehicles park over drains, some vehicles will be parked on the pavement
itself, there are usually wheel barriers erected to prevent this at most locations.
About 50% of pedestrian activity during off-peak periods is related to minibus travel
either boarding or alighting. Over 75% of pedestrians on the roadway is related to boarding or
alighting of minibuses.
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STREET EASTERN/NORTHERN WESTERN/SOUTHERN
SIDE SIDE
ROBB 300 300
STREET
HINCK 125 100
STREET
SOUTH 10 10
STREET
CROSSING 175
BETWEEN
SITH AND
COMMERCE
STREETS
COMMERCE 35 35
STREET
AMERCIA 50 75
STREET
STABROEK 400 300
SQUARE
(ENTIRE
SIDE
COMBINED)
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9.5 COMMERCIAL ACTIVITY
Commerce activity in the streets of the area is dominated by non-store stationary vendors
who occupy sections of the pavement with stalls to display their goods. There is approximately
one vendor for every 20 feet of pedestrian walkway within the project area.
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The area provides a vital support for cash crop farmers; vendors shown establish
themselves on a high volume pedestrian route even though they are on the roadway.
Vendor‟s arcade: a section of regent street was converted was converted fully to a
Vendors Mall: a plot of land along water street was occupied for pavement
vendors with simple wooden stalls but in 2008 converted to concrete stores
funded by each vendor with the intend of establishing a modern mall. Over 150
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9.6 ROADWAYS, WALKWAYS AND THE ENVIRONMENT
Walkways
Typical width: 3.05m
Surface: In-situ concrete slabs
Condition: minor cracks are visible along most sections but the surface is generally intact
and structurally sound.
Roadways
Typical width: 9.144m
Surface: asphaltic concrete
Condition: the roads surface for vehicular traffic was observed to be good condition with
no signs of failure.
Drains
Typical width: 1.22m
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These constructed from concrete with a depth of approximately 0.9m.
The storm drains in the area are sufficient for runoff in the area, the drainage is provided
by the Demerara River during low tide. Larger channels are usually filled with water from other
areas such as an aquifer from south ruimvedlt.
The Environment
The environment can be
described as sufficient to cater only for
the most basic social and economic
needs, with no intended theme. The
area is cleaned daily by the M&CC but
the solid waste builds up within some
sections notably food and drink
containers.
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10.0 DISCUSSION AND INITIAL
RECOMMENDATIONS
The heaps of solid waste present in some sections of the project area are comprised of
mainly food and drink receptacles and disposed farm goods. Throughput the project area there
are no observed waste receptacles, only a few placed by the vendors and stores themselves.
Improved solid waste management in the area must involve:
1. Placement of small waste receptacles to accommodate the areas around food
vendors
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3. Tracing the pathways of the waste to source (vendors, stores or customers) and
determining measures to reduce the use of non-useable containers. The long term
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• To improve the visual environment. Signs, lights, spaces, colors and textures can be
designed to relate to the person on foot, rather than to the person on wheels.
• To promote urban conservation through planting and landscaping and cultural
conservation including preservation, building restoration and renewal.
• To increase property values and, consequently, the city‟s revenue from real estate
taxes.
• To invite walking and to permit special rights-of-way to be reserved for bicycles
and public transportation vehicles.
This improves mobility through the city center and helps save energy.
• To decrease the number of motor vehicle related accidents, saving lives, police
work and judicial time.
• To promote citizen participation in the planning and implementation of the pedestrian
area, as an instrument for public education and engagement in urban life.”
An enhanced pedestrian environment in Paterson Street Hong Kong and Main street
South Carolina where the area was revitalized after suffering urban decay.
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space than diagonal parking and in the project area; efficient use of space is dependent upon the
driver and it common to observe double parking by vehicles that obstruct the roadway with little
regard for the flow of traffic.
Increased capacity and more effective parking with marked bays would improve the
parking situation; however this would restrict traffic flow and change the purpose of the roadway
from vehicle transport to primarily facilitating parking, thus a plan to improve traffic flow
through south and Commerce Streets would be necessary.
Presently there is no minibus modeling algorithm to model changes in bus routes related
to Georgetown, there would be no way to assess the effects on time of bus operation by changing
the routes.
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is a lack well-functioning commercial areas outside of the Stabroek area which can support such
non-store vendors on a daily basis.
This seeks to employ the principles of green engineering to implement sustainable development;
the primary results of this are:
The use of off-peak data to maximise design efficiency;
reducing new infrastructure works and seeking to utilize existing physical environment as
much as possible;
Using buildings available in Guyana the design of new stations and terminals should seek
to be Multi component to promote disassembly, reuse, recycle of materials used. The
perseveration of value of investment may also be achieved using multi component designs, the
unique benefit to public transportation is that it allows for terminals to be decommissioned or
disassembled and moved to a different location if the route is redesigned in the future.
Steel columns and beams in place of in-situ concrete for large structures;
Timber and steel are materials which require more costly precautions to extend
their life or prevent untimely deterioration but the possibilities of reuse and
recycling are high. In situ concrete has a high level of durability can forms almost
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even rival its initial construction cost, of all materials used in Guyana in-situ
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11.0 ENGINEERING DESIGN
11.1 CONSTRAINTS
At present there are no active or comprehensive engineering plans for the specific
problems outlined in this report. This requires assumptions be made regarding funding and actual
implementation. Some of the limitations encountered in the project were:
Use of commonly available construction materials and methodologies to
implement designs;
Since the area has fixed and permanent street features and property boundaries,
The scope of project inhibits extensive analysis and design of particular aspect of
area such as pedestrian traffic or bus frequency predictions under the new routes.
This report identifies the qualitative aspects of problems within the area so that
The lack of comprehensive studies into pedestrians, private parking and general traffic
activity in the project area hinders in depth analysis of every aspect of activities and also creates
a void of knowledge of the previous nature of activities within the area.
11.2 CRITERIA
The criteria upon which design alternatives will be judged area:
Meeting the safety and other recognized standards for pedestrian and bus stations
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Improve the functions and viability of commercial operations in the area.
11.3 REQUIREMENTS
Potential design solutions must feature:
Safe, efficient and convenient pedestrian travel;
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11.4.2 Improving the pedestrian network
Installing new walkways will reduce the need for pedestrians to travel on the
Given the relationship between pedestrians on the roadway and minibus operation, the
implementation of the bus station would significantly improve the pedestrian network, since
pedestrian would no longer be alighted on the street or have to travel on the roadway to get to
their bus.
Roadway = 9.75m
Open drain = 0.91m each side
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Walkways =3.05m
Minimum traffic lane width = 6.1m (Watson, Plattus, & Shibley, Time-Saver
Standards for Urban Design, 2003) 7.3-15; this is to accommodate fire trucks and container
trucks that travel thru the street.
Remaining roadway = 9.75 - 6.1 = 3.65m
A diagonal parking angle of 45 degree parking would produce stall depths of 4.5 to
5.2 m
Thus it can be concluded that diagonal parking is not possible for even one side of
this street if it to facilitate container traffic. One lane traffic width is 3.1m for cars.
Roadway = 8.53m
Unpaved shoulder (eastern side)= 1.7m
Open drain = 1.14m each side
Walkways =3.05m
Minimum traffic lane width = 3.1m (Watson, Plattus, & Shibley, Time-Saver Standards
for Urban Design, 2003) 7.3-15;
Remaining roadway = 8.53 - 3.1 = 5.43m
A diagonal parking angle of 45 degree parking would produce stall depths of 4.5 to
5.2 m (Watson, Plattus, & Shibley, Time-Saver Standards for Urban Design, 2003)
This roadway can accommodate diagonal parking on the eastern side while
forbidding parallel parking on the other side. The benefits of increased parking capacity
would be offset by this loss and the added risk of revering in the right of way makes the
implementation of diagonal parking on this roadway unfeasible.
The depth of stall projection was confirmed by measuring the depth of stalls along
Water Street which were confirmed as 15 feet (4.57m).
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Commerce and South streets = 16m
Using 4in thick in-situ concrete: $40,000 per cubic Yard
Preliminary estimated cost = $272,000
This new walkway will improve pedestrian travel across south and commerce streets
where older walkways are almost entirely encumbered or insufficient.
The need for this walkway was identified after the pedestrian travel survey analysis and
time constraints prohibit detailed measurements and drawings
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11.5.3 Bus Station
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reinforcement);
Wooden columns, 150mmx150mm x4.6m, anchored into the ground with 0.9m
roof sheeting.
The can operate on the shunting maneuver, with the passengers being boarded and
alighted on the platform and transferring to another bus on the platform.
Along the east bank there is significant road reserve to establish safe bus terminals with
commercial vending which can be integrated into the design.
This methodology of establishing bus zones and terminals following existing self-
regulation which operators use to establish informal terminals can be used along the East Coast
and West Coast of Demerara to greatly reduce the parking and travel of minibuses in
Georgetown. Also within the service areas other terminals can be established to provide service
deeper into communities since the distance they would have to travel would be significantly
shorter.
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11.5.3.2 Stabroek Market Bus Station
This station would as an end of route point and transfer terminal for several bus routes.
After redesigning the bus zones the possible bus routes that will service the station area:
Route42: Georgetown to Craig;
These routes would become high volume, high frequency transportation routes and would
require a safe and effective facility to conduct operations.
This facility can be located on Stabroek square.
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Platform to board and alight passengers in two separate areas, a arrival platform
and separate loading bays for each bus route. This will segregate completely
pedestrians and minibuses. The platform will also provide a safe connection the
Stabroek square. This platform and waiting area can also feature vendors and
Bus queue, after alighting passenger at the arrival bay, a minibus can turn on the
roadway and travel to the back of parking queue for its route. The queue leads up
to the departure bays where passengers can be boarded and bus departs.
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Alternative feature could be the establishment of a multiple floors above the
platform to house vendors who are presently on the square and would be displace
by the station. This facility can be initiated as private investment with the owner
renting space to the vendors and charging a fee to the buses for maintenance.
frame;
Land space available for minibus queue, Southern section of Stabroek square between Brickdam
and Hadfield Street. Is Approx. : 2200sq. m.
Parking Bay required for each minibus: 2.8m x 5.8m = 16.3sq. m.
No. of minibuses that can be accommodated = 134
Minibus bay dimension: 2.8m x 5.8m
Platform area for boarding and alighting: 5sq. Ft. Per person (assume 2 persons at any one time,
min width=4 ft.)
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This project has identified sustainable guidelines to develop bus terminals outside of
Georgetown, reduced bus parking in the Stabroek area; assessed pedestrian travel in the area and
identified measures to improve pedestrian safety and travel; and a sustainable methodology for
the operation of bus station within the Stabroek area.
12.0 CONCLUSION
It has been determined that increasing on-street parking capacity cannot be accomplished
by implementing diagonal parking; however by removing the minibus parks which occupy
several streets and large lots of land, it would be possible to provide parking for long periods
aimed to businesses and offices within the area, this would allow for more capacity of short term
customer parking in other sections of the project area. This would require the implementation of
a better pedestrian environment to encourage drivers to park further away from their offices and
businesses and walk.
The establishment of new better bus routes so that multiple buses do not traverse the
same roadway going in the same direction would significantly reduce bus traffic in the city and
provide a better framework for the introduction larger capacity minibus such as 40-seat coasters
and even full size buses. With high volumes of passengers and shorter routes to travel larger
capacity buses would become more profitable and attractive to customers in the new routes out
of Stabroek.
Additionally improved public transportation service would be provided in communities
outside of the city and could potentially change the way people live their lives since they do not
have to be restricted by the limitations of the present bus service in direction and time of travel.
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13.0 ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS
With the establishment of the vendors‟ mall, the street behind this new mall which
features 15 feet walkways and 35 feet roadway is being used as an extension of the container
facility. This area however should be converted to a parking area for taxis which have been
removed some streets recently or which encumbered the streets along Stabroek square. The
streets along Stabroek square will have to be used for bus movement in a new station at that area.
Additionally to promote the new mall the surrounding area would benefit from a new
environment, and a taxi park would be easily accommodated in this area and is within 5 minutes
walking distance of the Stabroek square.
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Sustaining livelihoods by improving urban public by M. Sohail PhD, MSc, MASCE;
Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers Engineering Sustainability 158 ,March 2005
Issue ES1 , Pages 9–15;
7. RECOMMENDATIONS
7.1. Policy-level recommendations
A number of specific policy decisions may eventually become
unavoidable for timely delivery to urban transport services.
(a) A platform within the executive power needs to be
established to represent the three main perspectives: those
of users, regulators and operators. A single, allencompassing
official, legal body (Urban Transport
Authority) for dealing with transport overall may need to be
created at the city or regional level. Such an authority will
need to adopt a more holistic approach to develop, maintain
and sustain an urban transport network.
(b) The interaction between transport and employment creation
needs to be further explored, particularly the role of
transport in supporting the micro-enterprise. The initiation
of a participatory and continuous process of data collection
and monitoring, interaction with all stakeholders, and
localised planning and policy making needs to be taken up
by the above-proposed urban transport body.
7.2. Grass-roots-level partnerships between stakeholders
The potential exists for developing solutions through
partnerships, to overcome the constraints of limited resources
and lack of effective governance. Stakeholders can take up
certain small projects easily and rapidly. Some examples that
emerged from the case studies are as follows.
(a) The building, repair and maintenance of bus stops by the
private sector to create employment and enterprise
opportunities.
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(b) Maintaining the cleanliness of bus stops and the interior of
vehicles can be made a private-sector service to further
encourage small enterprises.
(c) The use of ergonomically sound standards for the interiors of
vehicles would improve user satisfaction and safety levels.
(d) The working conditions of drivers and helpers (conductors),
as well as their conditions of employment, should be
improved.
(e) The informal economy can be recognised and better used to
meet development targets and objectives.
( f ) A platform should be established, where user complaints can
be acted upon, including those from women, children, the
disabled and the elderly.
(g) Monitoring systems should be put in place to capture the
wider impact of transport on employment and enterprise
development.
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14.0 BIBLIOGRAPHY
Allison L. C. de Cerreño. (2002). The Dynamics of On-Street Parking in Large Central
Cities. New York: Rudin Center for Transportation Policy & Management.
Batty, M. (2001). Environment and Planning B: Planning and Design.
Blow, C. (2005). Transport Terminals and Modal Interchanges, Planning and Design.
Linacre House, Jordan Hill, Oxford OX2 8DP: Architectural Press.
Daamen, W. (2004). Modelling Passenger Flows. Delft University Press.
Department of Transport, B. Secure Stations Scheme. U.K.: British Department of
Transport.
Edwards, J. D. (2002). Changing on-street parallel parking to angle parking. Institute of
Transportation Engineers. ITE Journal .
Lynn Andersen Lindberg, D. V. (2004). STREET VENDOR BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY
PROFILE. Springfield, Illinois 62701: ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND
COMMUNITY AFFAIRS.
Simpson, B. J. (1994). URBAN PUBLIC TRANSPORT TODAY. 2–6: E & FN Spon.
Sohail, M. (2005). Sustaining livelihoods by improving urban public transport. UK:
Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers.
Tight, M., Kelly, C., Hodgon, F., & Page, M. (2004). Improving pedestrian accessibility
and quality of life. Leeds UK: White Rose ePrints Repository.
Watson, D., Plattus, A., & Shibley, R. (2003). Time-Saver Standards for Urban Design.
Ney York: The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
Watson, D., Plattus, A., & Shibley, R. (2003). Time-Saver Standards for Urban Design.
The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
Zimmerman, J. B. (2005). SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT THROUGH THE
PRINCIPLES OF GREEN ENGINEERING. Department of Civil Engineering, University of
Virginia.
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15.0 APPENDIX
A-1: bus bay operation
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A2: - Checklist for business district improvement
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A3: Excerpt from the (Ministry of Public Works and Communications – Works Services
Group, consultant‟s Public transport report of 2003
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A4 Minibus Specifications
The Toyota Hiace is available in the following configurations
Wheelbases: standard or long
Engines: petrol [2000] or diesel [2400 and 2800]
Body types: panel van, delivery van or commuter
A high roof option is available with the LWB panel van and commuter body types
Specifications
Standard Wheelbase Models
Panel Van Delivery Van Commuter
4 door 5 door 4 door 5 door 4 door
Seats 3 3 3/6 3/6 12
Engines
Petrol Yes Yes No Yes Yes
Diesel 2400 Yes No Yes No Yes
Diesel 2800 No Yes No Yes No
Dimensions (mm)
Lenght 4750 4750 4570 4570 4570
Width 1690 1690 1690 1690 1690
Height 1955 1995 1955 1955 1960
Wheelbase 2330 2330 2330 2330 2330
Tread front 1450 1450 1450 1450 1450
Tread rear 1430 1430 1430 1430 1430
Turning radius 4.7m
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A5: Maps of Georgetown
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