Feasibility study of electric buses in Tripoli, Lebanon

Abstract

As the world is shifting towards clean energy, the growing concern about public transportation and its impact on the environment is becoming a common interest for several countries. Sustainability in public transportation is essential in crowded cities to have a healthy environment. This study aims to assess the feasibility of alternative propulsion systems in public transportation and evaluate the available options in the second most crowded city in Lebanon, Tripoli. The proposed systems in this paper, which include the CNG, electric and hybrid buses are compared with the conventional diesel technology and an ultimate solution is adopted. The model mainly consists of designing a public transportation network in Tripoli area, developing a Life cycle cost calculation, and evaluating alternatives using Fuzzy Vikor method, where a comparison of results is done to reach ultimate solution. Alternative fuel systems for bus networks are proposed and evaluated considering cost, performance, environment, safety and infrastructure requirements. Sensitivity analysis is utilized to evaluate the impact on feasibility of Electric buses when adopting variable parameters such as varying electricity Tariffs, integrating solar energy sources, increasing ticket prices and applying various criteria weights. The study reveals that the Battery electric Depot Charging system (E-bus DC) has the least environmental impact and is the best option under several scenarios when considering a high importance related to environment. However, under normal conditions, the Diesel Bus is the most viable solution due to its low capital cost, with a minimum of 6% lower total ownership cost compared to other options. Some recommendations might be considered to achieve better results in adopting electric bus system, such as integrating renewable energy, decreasing electricity tariffs, raising ticket price, attracting funds from international organizations, incentivizing policies, developing an operation plan and collaborating with private sector. Lebanon can have an enhanced quality of life and optimistic future by embracing sustainable transportation