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Could we see automated public transport in Aotearoa New Zealand?

We undertook this research to gain a greater understanding of how, if, and under what conditions automated public transport vehicles may be used in New Zealand.

The literature review outlined that automated public transport vehicle technology is generally still a work in progress. Although some countries allow people to travel in automated vehicles in pilots and trials, the technology is still evolving.

Our topography and population distribution are unique, and so we need to understand how we might adapt the technology for New Zealand’s needs. Automated vehicles need reliable communication networks and infrastructure, which are costly to set up. This research suggests these additional costs mean they are less likely to replace traditional buses and trains. But we could use smaller automated shuttles on demand for sites like retirement villages, tourist destinations or university campuses. Another use might be what’s called the ‘first / last mile’, which is the part of people’s journey that isn’t covered by existing public transport networks.

Automated vehicles are being used in several countries without serious safety concerns, although they are all in pilots and trials, so conditions may be more carefully controlled. The research recommends evaluating how automated vehicles could be used to complement our existing networks, and to fill gaps in them.

This research developed an evaluation framework and tool, linked below, which can be used to assess the viability of a trial using automated public transport vehicles.

Keywords:

autonomous; automated; public transport; shuttles; buses; trams; future technology; commercial; evaluation; framework

Authors:

J Khoo, Beca, Auckland

G Nates, Beca, Auckland

J Hafoka, Beca, Auckland

A Weerappulige, Beca, Auckland

S Hewett, Beca, Auckland

M Gregorevic, SYSTRA, Melbourne