CITIES DEMONSTRATING AUTOMATED ROAD PASSENGER TRANSPORT

Automated transport systems are made up of vehicles operating without a driver in collective mode. They are deemed to play a useful role in the transport mix as they can supply a good transport service (individual or collective) in areas of low or dispersed demand complementing the main public transport network. A dozen local authorities or equivalent sites are in the bidding to be one of the five sites to host a 6-month demonstration. All recognise the potential of vehicle automation as part of their public transport network. Two sets of six vehicles each for the demonstrations will be supplied by two of the five manufacturers within the project. The project will procure the vehicles and make them available to the selected pilot sites for the duration of the demonstrations.

In addition to the pilot activities, research will be undertaken into the technical, financial, cultural, and behavioural aspects and effects on land use policies and how new systems can fit into existing infrastructure in different cities. The legal issues surrounding automated transport will also be addressed leading to a proposed framework for certifying automated transport systems.