Modular Autonomous Vehicles’ Application in Public Transport Networks: Conceptual Analysis on Airport Connection

Abstract

Increased efficiency and optimized operation of transport networks represent two of the main topics of interest when discussing modern road vehicle solutions. Taking steps towards more sustainable options, manufacturers of road vehicles are looking into advanced technologies that allow vehicles to run more efficiently and take advantage of all the available data on the road. When looking at public transportation applications, trends point in the direction of using varied types of vehicles that can carry people around. The intermodality of these types of vehicles represents the most optimized way of traveling, combining the fast and secure characteristics of airplanes and trains with the flexibility of last-mile options, such as taxis, buses, or trams. This paper discusses the aspects of implementing a modular autonomous vehicle (MAV) solution for the last-mile part of travel routes, connecting key points of a city, such as an airport or a train station, to other key locations in the city, such as the city center, important facilities, or marginal neighborhoods.