Passenger Noise and Whole-Body Vibration Exposure—A Comparative Field Study of Commercial Buses

Abstract

The goal of this paper was to evaluate bus passengers' comfort with regard to noise and whole-body vibration. All types of existing buses used in Tehran urban services were considered for study. The measured noise levels in all buses were higher than the recommendations in W.H.O (1999) as well as Iran Department of Environment (2001), while the vibrations at the passenger seats were non uncomfortable vibrations according to ISO 2631-1-1997. In addition, the results demonstrated that the age and type of bus can play important roles in determining noise and vibration inside buses. It was concluded that the engine and wheels of bus can be considered as the major sources of noise and vibration inside buses.