Autonomous Bus Pilot Project Testing and Demonstration using Light Rail Transit Track

Abstract

The rapidly aging society of Japan requires a quality transportation system that provides new mobility services combining innovative technologies to include all residents. The present study carries out a pilot test of the world’s first connected public transport system between autonomous buses (AB) and the light rail transit (LRT). In this system, telecommunication between two modes enabled the bus to fully self-drive and pull in precisely at an LRT stop. Reporting a result of the pilot test in Hiroshima, this paper analyzes (a) the feasibility of the system based on a monitor survey and (b) public acceptance based on a resident survey of local residents.