Feasibility and Impact of Automated Vehicles in Peri Urban Public Transport

This study investigates the feasibility and potential impacts of deploying automated vehicles (AVs) as a public transport solution in a peri-urban area, using a case study of an existing bus route in Aveiro, Portugal. Five operational scenarios were compared: conventional diesel buses, full electrification, on-demand light AVs, automated minibuses, and a hybrid system. The methodology combined real-world data collection, scenario design, route optimization, emission assessment, and cost analysis. Results indicate that light AVs offer significant operational emission reductions (70-90% compared to electric buses) and cost savings compared to conventional systems. A hybrid model, combining electric buses for peak hours and light AVs for off-peak, emerged as the most promising solution, balancing cost efficiency and environmental impact. The study also suggests potential labour savings by replacing multiple drivers with a single remote operator overseeing several AVs, potentially mitigating driver shortages. However, the study acknowledges the need for realism regarding current AV industry profitability, emphasizing the substantial upfront costs and long-term perspective required for widespread, profitable AV deployment in public transport.