Shuttle bus

A shuttle bus is a bus that travels a shorter route in comparison to most bus routes. Typically, shuttle buses travel in both directions between two points. Shuttle buses are designed to transport large groups of people who are all travelling to and from a specific destination in a more organized manner. Shuttle buses can be used on several occasions, such as transporting university students or used as a method to transport people from airports to hotels.[1]

Skybus service operating in Central Melbourne

Types of shuttle buses

Airport bus
Main article: Airport bus

Airport buses, airport shuttles, and airport shuttle buses are buses that travel between the airport and a city centre. These buses mainly travel to major transit hubs, however, may also travel directly to major hotels around the city. Buses that travel directly to the city are sometimes referred to as hotel shuttles.[2][3]

University shuttles

University shuttles are buses that travel between the campus area and may sometimes serve major transport hubs and railway stations. University shuttles operate within larger campuses that may not allow public road access. These shuttles cut down transportation times between two ends of the campus and allow students to travel safely during the night through dark places. University shuttles also tend to operate out of regular operational hours for regular bus services.[1]

Rail replacement buses
Main article: Rail replacement bus service

Rail replacement buses are buses that operate when a particular train line is not operating. These services are run by the railway company, and often serve a number of stations along the railway line.[4]

Employee shuttles

Employee shuttles are buses used to transport employees between their homes and workplaces, these shuttles also may be used to transport people within workplaces. These employee shuttles provide benefits such as easing daily commuters of workers. Many employers are also using employee shuttle buses as an alternative to personal cars to reduce emissions produced by the company and their employees.[5]

Community transport
Main article: Paratransit

Community transport (British English) or paratransit (North American English) are shuttle buses designed to transport those with disabilities and other people who are struggling to get around. Community transit is often designed to be accessible for those in wheelchairs by offering additional features that may not always be present on regular buses. These extra features include special equipment, ramps and additional wheelchair areas.[6]

Shuttle buses and COVID-19

Amidst the backdrop of unprecedented global events, namely the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russo-Ukrainian War, spanning the years 2020 to 2022, significant shifts in travel patterns and transportation preferences were observed. These extraordinary circumstances led to a substantial downturn in the demand for air travel, as restrictions, health concerns, and international tensions curtailed the frequency of flights. Simultaneously, the demand for airport buses, which serve as a crucial link between terminals and other transportation hubs, also experienced a noticeable decline due to reduced passenger volumes and limited movement within airports.

The profound impact of these crises on the aviation and travel industries has been undeniable. However, in the face of these challenges, forward-looking projections point towards a resurgence in the demand for airport buses over the next five years. This anticipated revival is attributed to several key factors, foremost among them being the projected uptick in air travel as global conditions stabilize. As economies recover and travel restrictions are gradually eased, experts foresee a renewed enthusiasm for air travel as people yearn to reconnect with loved ones, explore new destinations, and resume business activities.

In parallel with the projected recovery of the aviation sector, another driving force behind the projected increase in demand for airport buses is the growing emphasis on sustainability and cleaner modes of transportation. As environmental concerns take center stage on the global agenda, travelers and transportation authorities alike are seeking greener alternatives. Airport buses, often powered by alternative fuels or electricity, align well with these environmental priorities, making them an attractive choice for both passengers and operators.

Interestingly, the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic witnessed a paradigm shift in work dynamics. With remote work becoming a norm for many professionals, the traditional concept of office commuting underwent a transformation. Recognizing this shift, numerous companies found innovative solutions to bridge the gap between remote work and in-person collaboration. Employee shuttles emerged as a strategic tool to facilitate the return of employees to physical workspaces. By offering a safe and convenient means of transportation, these shuttles not only addressed concerns about public transit but also fostered a sense of community and belonging among employees, ultimately aiding the reintegration into on-site work environments.

In conclusion, the confluence of global events, including the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions, has undeniably reshaped travel and transportation trends, impacting the demand for air travel and related services such as airport buses. However, the projection of an imminent resurgence in demand for airport buses underscores the resilience of the travel industry and its ability to adapt to changing circumstances. As air travel recovers and sustainable transport gains traction, the role of airport buses is poised to become increasingly prominent, facilitating seamless and environmentally conscious travel experiences. Additionally, the innovative use of employee shuttles exemplifies how transportation solutions can evolve in response to evolving work dynamics, contributing to a holistic and adaptive approach to transportation in a rapidly changing world. [7]

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russo-Ukrainian War during 2020 and 2022, the demand for air travel and airport buses had declined. Despite this, the demand for airport buses is projected to increase in the next 5 years due to the predicted rise of air travel and demand for cleaner forms of transport.[8] During the end of COVID-19, many people were accustomed to working at home, as a result many companies began to use employee shuttles as a tool to bring people back into the workspace.[5]

Shuttle buses around the world

Australia

In Australia, shuttle buses are used to transport students from transport hubs (such as train stations or bus stations) to their universities.

In Melbourne several of these operate: the most used is route 601, which transports students from Huntingdale station to Monash University, Clayton campus.[9]

In Brisbane, the most popular shuttle is route 134, which transports students from Queen Street bus station via Griffith University Mount Gravatt campus to Griffith University Nathan campus.[10]

Typically, these university shuttles are express and will only serve education precincts or major stops along the route. These buses also tend to have a special livery showing what university they serve.

Shuttle buses in Australia may also be used to connect airports to city centres: for instance Melbourne's Skybus connects Melbourne Airport to Southern Cross Station in Melbourne's CBD. The Kinetic subsidiary also operates airport shuttles in several cities across Australia, such as Hobart.[11][12]

France
Roissy Bus at Opera Station

In France, shuttle buses are commonly used to connect airports and their respective city centres; the most used of these is the Roissy bus service between Charles de Gaulle Airport and central Paris. This operates from terminal 2 at Charles de Gaulle Airport to Opéra Station on the Paris Métro.[13]

United Kingdom

In the UK shuttle buses operate at airports as well as connecting universities to local areas. One example of this is the Hotel Hoppa service that travels from Heathrow Airport to several nearby hotels.[14] In the UK, there are also many shuttle buses that serve and their nearby area campuses. For example, Oxford Bus Company operates the science transit shuttle: there are two routes which connect the city centre and the railway station with various destinations used by science students.[15]

United States

In the US shuttle buses are used to transport users from airports and city centres. One of the most used of these is the FlyAway bus service connecting Los Angeles and Los Angeles International Airport, this service connects Union Station (Los Angeles) with Los Angeles International airport.[16]

References
  1. "Online TDM Encyclopedia – Shuttle Services". www.vtpi.org. Retrieved 13 December 2022.
  2. "Airport Shuttle Definition". Law Insider. Retrieved 15 December 2022.
  3. "Hotel shuttle Definition". Law Insider. Retrieved 15 December 2022.
  4. "Where do train replacement buses come from?". ABC News. 15 November 2016. Retrieved 14 December 2022.
  5. Fernandes, Rui Stoffel. "Council Post: Are Shuttle Commuting Programs The Secret To Getting Employees Back To The Office?". Forbes. Retrieved 14 December 2022.
  6. "Liftango | What is Paratransit? Understanding its Funding and Challenges". www.liftango.com. Retrieved 15 December 2022.
  7. Rathore, Shailendra Singh. "Shuttle Bus". Blog with Sam. Retrieved 19 August 2023.
  8. News, E. I. N.; Patel, Mahesh (13 December 2022). "Our Research Report on Airport Shuttle Bus Market offers information that is necessary for the development of the market". EIN News. Retrieved 13 December 2022. {{cite web}}: |last1= has generic name (help)
  9. "Travelling to Monash University Clayton Campus". Occupational Health & Safety. Retrieved 14 December 2022.
  10. "134, 135, 145, 155 Printed Timetable" (PDF). Translink. 8 December 2022. Archived from the original (PDF) on 25 October 2022. Retrieved 8 December 2022.
  11. "SKYBUS PARENT RELAUNCHES AS 'KINETIC'". BusNews.com.au. Retrieved 13 December 2022.
  12. "Kinetic continues transport investments in Tasmania with new depot". BusNews.com.au. Retrieved 13 December 2022.
  13. Bureau, Paris Convention and Visitors. "RoissyBus – Paris tourist office". en.parisinfo.com. Retrieved 15 December 2022.
  14. "Hotel-buses | Heathrow". Heathrow Airport. Retrieved 15 December 2022.
  15. "Science Transit Shuttle". www.oxfordbus.co.uk. Retrieved 15 December 2022.
  16. "flyaway union stationdowntown lax Route: Schedules, Stops & Maps – LAX to Union Station (Updated)". moovitapp.com. Retrieved 15 December 2022.
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