Sign in to view
member only content

In China — where larger cities have populations of multi-millions — authorities are concerned that increasing car ownership will cause extreme congestion and paralyze road networks. Now the solution may come in the form of the Youngman JNP6250G, a bus believed to be the largest in the world, capable of transporting up to 300 passengers. Created by the Youngman Vehicle Group, the JNP6250G is 25 meters in length — 13 meters longer than a standard bus — with five doors and 40 seats, capable of traveling at a top speed of 82 kph. To make disabled access easier, its designers have incorporated a pavement-level step and wide aisles, while a central area is specifically allocated for wheelchairs. Similar to London’s now defunct “bendy bus”, the JNP6250G is able to turn corners with a radius equal to that of a normal bus thanks to two accordion-ribbed joints. As reported by China Tech Gadget, a fleet of the vehicles will create the Bus Rapid Transit service — BRT — in Beijing and Hangzhou, and this fleet will have a dedicated lane on highways to ensure optimum speed. While the JNP6250G is practical solution to a serious environmental and transportation problem, the accordion-like hinges have proved to be hazardous to cyclists and pedestrians in London. With well-considered route planning, however, there may still be a lucrative future in such buses. Spotted by: Raymond Neo