Automated Transport Systems
December 21st, 2009
Driverless vehicles are no longer confined to scenes from science fiction films; they are becoming a reality on our roads today. More and more transport authorities are taking an interest in automated passenger transport in a bid to tackle today’s car-dominated culture. Many of these authorities are members of the Reference Group of CityMobil, a project co-funded by the EU through he Sixth Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development. CityMobil is the latest in a series of European and national projects hat have developed, tested and implemented automated transport technologies and systems. While CityMobil builds on the outcome of these projects, it is quite unique in that it is concerned with deployment; more specifically, identifying and addressing the issues that prevent full scale implementation of automated systems and developing the tools that can assist deployment. It is widely acknowledged that a combination of landuse policies and a shift from the private car to a multimodal approach is required to address the mobility problems facing our cities today. The multi-modal approach recognises the need for both high-capacity, scheduled mass transport (bus, train and metro) and individual on-demand short distance transport. Often, the car is used for these short distance trips but it is the least efficient in terms of space, energy and safety, especially in the densest parts of the city. Advanced transport systems based on automated technology can offer a solution in these circumstances. They are clean, quiet and more importantly reproduce the feel of the private car as they are small vehicles offering an on-demand and door-to-door service. » view document
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