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Bus Rapid Transit Systems: diesel or electricity? A case study in Bogota, Colombia.

This paper is available in a repository.
This paper is available in a repository.

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Preprint: policy unknown
Question mark in circle
Postprint: policy unknown
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Published version: policy unknown

Abstract

The Bus Rapid Transit System TransMilenio (TM) is a mass passenger transportation mode that serves Bogota, Colombia. TransMilenio is recognized worldwide as a fast, highly efficient, sustainable and economically self-sufficient mode of massive transportation. Owing to its success, this BRT system has been replicated in many cities of the world. The aim of this work is to evaluate the effect of changing current TransMilenio diesel-powered vehicles for electricity-powered vehicles, on the PM2.5 concentrations at roadside level. The Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Model WinMiskam® was used to estimate current PM2.5 concentrations at roadside level. Results from the emission calculations in scenario 1 indicate that TransMilenio (30-50%) and motorcycles (20-30%) are the main sources of PM2.5 in all the stations evaluated. Non-exhaust emissions from most of vehicle categories are also an important source of PM2.5 (near 50% of total emissions). Results of this work also show that the CFD model WinMiskam® reproduces closely the trends and levels of PM2.5 concentrations measured at roadside level in all the stations; therefore, this model is a useful tool to simulate pollution dispersion. The scenario evaluation shows that if the TransMilenio diesel-powered vehicles are replaced by electricity-powered vehicles, PM2.5 concentrations are reduced roughly by 15% in average, and as much as 30%. Higher reductions can be achieved if policies are adopted to control motorcycle and non-exhaust emissions. Finally, this study shows that the combined use of emission calculations and advanced near-road dispersion models are useful tools to study and manage air quality in cities.