Members of the Automated Bus Consortium recently explored the feasibility of implementing test-pilot automated bus projects across the U.S.
In a private industry forum hosted by AECOM and Michigan DOT/PlanetM, over 100 attendees convened to unveil potential pilot projects and draft specifications for deployment of full-sized autonomous buses. Representatives from member agencies, bus manufacturers and technology companies were present.
Each of the member agencies shared proposed pilot projects across various locations around the country, with a range of vehicle applications that include bus rapid transit, shuttle service, arterial rapid transit, express service, fixed-route service, and maintenance depot automation.
Some of the U.S. transit and transportation member agencies that presented potential pilot projects included Connecticut DOT; Dallas Area Rapid Transit; Foothill Transit; Long Beach Transit; Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority; MetroLINK (Moline); Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority; Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (Houston); Michigan DOT/Capital Area Transportation Authority/Michigan State University/Huron Transit Corporation; Minnesota DOT/Rochester Public Transit; Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority; and Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation/Hampton Roads Transit.
AECOM presented draft automated bus specifications developed by the Consortium members for manufacturing industry representatives’ comment and discussion. The forum allowed Consortium members to solicit input directly from industry manufacturers regarding their ability to supply automated buses that could achieve the desired efficiency within each proposed pilot project. The Consortium’s plan calls for a 12-month feasibility phase, followed by implementation within a two-year time frame, which is estimated to begin in 2022. Each agency participant will make their own independent decisions regarding future automated bus purchases and deployment following the completion of the feasibility phase.
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SOURCE: Business Wire / Automated Bus Consortium
