Assessing the potential of automated buses in a public transport network from an operator perspective
a case study in Almere
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Abstract
The accessibility of cities is under pressure in the Netherlands. Automated vehicles are often mentioned as a possible solution for this problem. In this study, the financial feasibility of automated buses is examined from an operator
perspective. A financial model is developed and applied on the bus network of Almere where four different levels of automated buses were compared. The comparison are based on the following factors: operational costs, investment costs and ridership. Based on the case study results, it can be concluded that automated buses that still require a driver or steward in the bus for supervision are not yet financially feasible from an operator perspective. Decreasing costs of
automated technologies can however change this financial feasibility. In automated buses where the driver is removed it could be financially feasible from an operator point of view. However, many challenges will arise in this situation regarding safety regulations, passenger acceptance and operational infrastructure domain.