[sustran] PCU equivalents for NMT in India

[Paul Guitink]

The argument made by Dr Rajeef Saraf for the Delhi case implies that PCU 
equivalents are not based on technical considerations, but also take into 
account the motorized drivers preferences: at low traffic volumes, they will 
probably avoid to use the right lane, but what if traffic volumes are very high  
(congestion) and there is a 'free' right lane?  Furthermore, if we accept this 
calculation, PCU equivalents for bicyclists will go up drastically as well: even 
at relatively low volumes of bicyclists in the right lane, faster motorized 
vehicles will avoid this lane: however, if the other lanes are congested and 
non-motorized vehicles in the right lane move faster, the motorized vehicles 
don't have a problem to mix with them.

If this interpretation is accepted, we need to review as well the PCU equivalent 
of buses: in many cities, the right lanes are almost exclusively used by 
(micro)buses loading and unloading at will and thus reducing capacity 
drastically; a PCU equivalent of 10-12 for small buses (up to 20 passengers) 
would seem appropriate in that case in, for example, Accra (Ghana). The same 
argument can be made for taxis, tro-tro's, etc. 

However, I agree with Dr Rajeef Saraf and some other participants in this 
discussion that the PCE methodology is questionable.

best regards,

Paul Guitink