STUDY AND ANALYSIS OF THE OPERATIONAL INDICATORS OF BUSES OPERATING IN THE CITY OF TASHKENT

ABSTRACT

This scientific article provides an in-depth analysis of the technical, environmental, and economic indicators of YUTONG buses operating in Tashkent to improve the quality of public transport. In the research process, the advantages, energy consumption, periodicity of maintenance, and operational reliability of modern electric buses and gas-powered buses manufactured by YUTONG were studied. A comparative analysis of different bus models (YUTONG, Isuzu, Mercedes-Benz, SamAuto) was carried out, and the amount of fuel and energy consumed per 100 km, the level of safety, and maintenance costs were determined. The obtained results confirmed the compliance of YUTONG buses with environmental requirements, energy efficiency, operational stability, and high efficiency in urban conditions. This research has practical significance for optimizing the selection of technical means in the process of modernizing the public transport system of the city of Tashkent.

АННОТАЦИЯ

В данной научной статье глубоко проанализированы технические, экологические и экономические показатели автобусов YUTONG, эксплуатируемых в целях повышения качества общественного транспорта в городе Ташкенте. В ходе исследования были изучены преимущества, энергопотребление, периодичность технического обслуживания и эксплуатационная надежность современных электробусов и газовых автобусов производства компании YUTONG. Проведен сравнительный анализ между различными моделями автобусов (YUTONG, Isuzu, Mercedes-Benz, SamAuto), определены расход топлива и энергии на 100 км, уровень безопасности и затраты на обслуживание. Полученные результаты подтвердили соответствие автобусов YUTONG экологическим требованиям, энергоэффективность, эксплуатационную устойчивость и высокую эффективность в городских условиях. Данное исследование имеет практическое значение для оптимизации выбора технических средств в процессе модернизации системы общественного транспорта города Ташкента.

Keywords: YUTONG buses; electric bus; CNG buses; operational indicators; public transport; energy consumption; environmental efficiency; Euro-5; zero emission; maintenance; fuel efficiency; Tashkent city transport; modernization of the bus fleet; economic analysis; transport reliability; urban ecology.

Ключевые слова: автобусы YUTONG; электробус; CNG автобусы; эксплуатационные показатели; общественный транспорт; энергопотребление; экологическая эффективность; Euro-5; zero emission; maintenance; fuel economy; Ташкентский городской транспорт; модернизация автобусного парка; экономический анализ; надежность транспорта; городская экология.

Introduction. In the process of modernizing the public transport system of Tashkent, buses belonging to the YUTONG company of the People's Republic of China are widely used as an important technical means. These buses are high-capacity and designed in accordance with environmental safety standards. They are equipped with modern diesel or electric motors that meet Euro-5 and Euro-6 standards. In addition, they have high operational reliability and are equipped with an automatic braking system, a climate control system for controlling air temperature, an electronic payment terminal, and sensors for calculating passenger traffic. These technical and functional characteristics allow the effective use of YUTONG buses as a modern public transport vehicle.

Methodology. The research aimed at scientifically assessing the technical, environmental, and economic indicators of buses operating in the city of Tashkent was carried out on the basis of the following methodological approaches.

The object of the study and the dataset The object of the analysis was the buses YUTONG E12 (electric bus), YUTONG 6126HG (CNG), Isuzu NP37, Isuzu SAZ HC40, SamAuto LE60 and Mercedes-Benz O345 operating in the city of Tashkent. Data were collected through the technical operation logs of JSC ‘Toshshahartranskhizmat,’ the Ministry of Transport, and service centers.

When assessing the main operating parameters of buses, the following experimental-indicative indicators were used: mileage (km/day), fuel or energy consumption (l, m3 or kWh/100 km), operational reliability (availability coefficient). This information was obtained by collecting data from responsible organizations by conducting an inquiry.

The ecological indicators of buses were studied according to the following criteria: emissions of CO, NOx, PM, CH4 and NMHC, compliance with the Euro-3, Euro-4, Euro-5 and Zero Emission standards, and the number of harmful gases per 1 km of distance. According to the ‘zero emission’ concept for electric buses, the zero impact of emissions on the city's internal air was considered. Fuel/energy costs per 100 km of each type of bus were determined and compared with each other. For the calculations, current energy prices and service center indicators were used.

A comparative table of technical, environmental, and economic parameters of buses was compiled.

Results. In recent years, within the framework of the strategy for modernizing the public transport system of the Republic of Uzbekistan, modern buses manufactured by the Chinese company YUTONG have been widely implemented. In particular, more than 800 YUTONG buses, including more than 300 electric buses, have been delivered to Tashkent. In April 2023, an additional 233 new buses and electric buses were delivered, 203 of which were identified as belonging to the YUTONG brand.

According to the results of the survey, buses with a consumption per 100 km showed the following results: Electric buses (E12) - 110-130 kWh. CNG buses (YUTONG 6126HG) - 50 m3 of methane. Compared to diesel buses, the cost is 28-32% lower. Diesel buses (Isuzu and Mercedes) undefined. It was found that YUTONG E12 electric buses operate 3 to 3.5 times cheaper in terms of energy costs.

The data obtained during the study of environmental advantages showed that electric buses eliminate emissions of NOx, PM, and CO due to zero emission. CNG buses emit ~35% less emissions by NOx and ~90% less emissions by PM than diesel buses; Euro-3 diesel buses, such as the Mercedes-Benz O345, showed the highest harmfulness in terms of environmental load.

The average operational reliability of YUTONG buses in terms of operational reliability: availability 98-99%, average annual failures decreased by 22-27%, and the maintenance interval increased by 10-12%.

This contributes to a reduction in operating costs and ensures the continuity of traffic flow.

From the point of view of economic efficiency, the analysis of the obtained data on costs per 100 km showed that the cheapest cost is on YUTONG E12 electric buses (120 thousand soums/100 km), the most expensive cost is on Mercedes-Benz O345 (216-232 thousand soums/100 km), and it was found that YUTONG electric buses save up to 15-18% per year.

Picture 1. ‘YUTONG’ buses being used in Tashkent city

Discussion. In order to ensure the sustainable development of public transport in our country and improve the quality, environmental indicators, and safety of passenger transportation services, in cooperation with the YUTONG company, it is planned to gradually import another 1000 modern buses, and the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Uzbekistan is conducting relevant negotiations in this direction. These practical actions contribute to the renewal of the technical fleet of the Tashkent public transport system, increasing operational reliability, and reducing the city’s environmental burden.

Table 1.

Indicators of energy consumption and economic efficiency of public transport (using the example of the city of Tashkent)

Conclusion. Under the conditions of the complex transport system of the city of Tashkent, YUTONG buses travel an average of 250-300 km per day. Each vehicle is characterized by a higher frequency of maintenance, provision of spare parts, and a continuous operation coefficient compared to previously used bus models. In particular, the number of failures occurring in YUTONG buses has significantly decreased, and their average uninterrupted service life is 98-99%. This leads to an increase in service efficiency, a decrease in operating costs, and a reduction in the environmental burden. Also, the participation of drivers in advanced training courses on managing these technical means ensures the harmonious operation of buses with modern technologies. All the above factors confirm the technical and operational effectiveness of YUTONG buses in the conditions of the city of Tashkent.

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