largest bi-articulated bus in the world, at 28 meters in length and carrying up to 250 passengers. The new bus will carry 45 percent more passengers than the existing bi-articulated buses, which have seating for 170.
The Ligeirão, or “Fast Transit” system is part of a system of direct lines that uses exclusive lanes and has fewer stops than the city’s traditional express line (bi-articulated red buses). Since they don’t stop at all tubes and have priority at traffic signals, Ligeirão buses reduce travel time.
The new vehicle also has a signal that illuminates when doors open, designed to accommodate the hearing impaired, as well as the name of the line inscribed in Braille in the arms and backs of the seats reserved for the disabled, the elderly, and pregnant women.
In addition to carrying a larger number of passengers, the Ligeirão Azul will run on soy-based biodiesel fuel, reducing pollution emissions by 50 percent over gasoline. Additionally, it has sensors that guarantee right-of-way at traffic lights.