A comparative vibroacoustic performance and comfort assessment of conventional and electric buses: The city of Montreal case study

• Public bus rider comfort from vibroacoustic perspectives is analyzed. • Data is collected from a sample of public buses for conventional and electric buses. • Correlation between operational characteristics and noise/vibration are formulated. • Bus age, road condition, and average speed are identified as the key operational determinants of noise and vibration. • Findings can guide development of vibroacoustic performance and comfort assessments. This study explores the interactions between bus operational dynamics, vibroacoustic levels, and rider comfort perceptions for improving public bus transit experience. To achieve this, data was collected from 43 buses (31 conventional and 12 electric buses), through direct operational observations. Bivariate analysis was used to assess key operational factors, while ridge regression modelling established the strongest predictive links between these factors, vibroacoustic levels, and comfort perceptions. The results indicated that bus age, road conditions, and average speed influenced noise and vibration levels. Specifically, older buses, poorer road conditions, and higher average speeds contributing to increased vibroacoustic generation and subsequently higher rider discomfort. These findings guided the development of vibroacoustic performance and comfort assessments which serves as the basis for the policy implications introduced in the study. Future research should consider additional operational dynamics, such as traffic density and driving skill variations, to further improve public transportation efficiency.