== Abstract ==

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In most large cities in developing             countries, buses continue to be the public transport option             of choice, carrying a large share of urban travelers.             However, transit bus companies in these countries are often             cash-strapped. In many cases, the operating cost per bus             kilometer exceeds revenues and bus fares are often kept low             irrespective of the cost of providing service. Many cities             are dominated by old and fuel-intensive buses with high             operating costs. Transit systems are also often plagued by             overcrowded and undependable service, congested roadways and             chaotic operating environments. Across the board, city             officials in developing countries are under strong pressure             to improve the efficiency and enhance the attractiveness of             bus transportation. Fuel makes up a relatively large             fraction of total bus operating costs, especially when labor             costs are low, as in many developing countries. Fuel costs             can be reduced by improving the driving style of bus drivers             and through sound maintenance practices. A safe and             economical driving style can reduce variable costs, decrease             down time due to repair work and maintenance, mitigate             negative environmental impacts and improve road safety. This             guidance note1 provides detailed and practical             recommendations on how city bus operations managers and             their technical staff can plan and implement such             enhancements to their fleets through Operations and             Maintenance (O and M) practices without significant capital             investments. By implementing such recommendations, municipal             officials and bus operators can increase the efficiency and             fuel economy of their bus systems and reduce their             cities' energy consumption, congestion and pollution.             This guidance note provides detailed and practical             recommendations on how city bus operations managers and             their technical staff can plan and implement such             enhancements to their fleets through O and M practices             without significant capital investments.

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== Original document ==

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The different versions of the original document can be found in:

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* [http://hdl.handle.net/10986/26529 http://hdl.handle.net/10986/26529] under the license http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/igo

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