AN ADVANCED CITY MINIBUS CONCEPT AND URBAN TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM AS A CONTRIBUTION TO FUEL ECONOMY AND SUSTAINABLE MOBILITY

The contemporary world testifies that congestion in urban areas is the cause of enormous fuel waste, pollution and frustration. Is there a cure for this world illness? This paper gives an overview of a study made by Brodarski Institut prior to the initiation of a development project concerning a new city minibus concept financed by the Croatian Ministry of Science. The study considers urban and suburban transportation problems that force mass use of personal cars by people. Even after a considerable rise of fuel prices and expensive parking in city centres, car users are very persistent. The study analyses the reasons for this phenomenon and offers solutions that could change this behaviour for the benefit of society in general. The solutions concern a new transport means - an advanced city minibus concept which will enable introduction of a "door to door" transportation system that will offer a comfort comparable to personal cars and help to relieve congestions on the roads. The paper points out the benefits that may be achieved concerning fuel economy, GHG emissions and business development. In the conclusion, the paper suggest initiating a pilot project for implementing the idea of an advanced city minibus and a "door to door" transportation system in a Croatian seaside town like Pula or Rijeka.