01657999

Component

This paper investigates the benefits of autonomous buses in classical line-based public transportation. It begins with an overview of literature related to network planning in public transportation in general and, next, the more specific aspects of network planning that autonomous vehicles are expected to significantly impact. Afterwards the authors establish a cost model based on data from literature and practice. The model shows, that under Swiss conditions, cost savings between 50 % and 60 % are possible due to automation. The cost model is then used to explore different network designs for the Swiss Canton of Zug. More specifically, the costs and benefits of providing (1) local feeder buses for dispersed towns, (2) additional lines with direct connections to major destinations (3) increased frequencies on the existing network, and (4) extended service times (e.g. a 24/7 network). The model shows that these measures significantly increase the overall utility of the network and can generate additional ridership (up to + 40 %).

This paper was sponsored by TRB committee AP040 Standing Committee on Automated Transit Systems. Alternate title: Network Planning with Autonomous Buses.

18-00900

English

21p

2018

Transportation Research Board 97th Annual Meeting

Digital/other

Figures; Maps; References; Tables

Benefit cost analysis; Buses; Feeder buses; Intelligent vehicles; Network analysis (Planning); Ridership; Schedules and scheduling; Transportation planning

Zug (Switzerland)

Planning and Forecasting; Public Transportation; Vehicles and Equipment

Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting 2018 Paper #18-00900

TRIS, TRB, ATRI

Jan 8 2018 10:13AM