Objective
The goal is to provide smart and safe public transport for short commutes using autonomous vehicle.
Description
ParkShuttle is a five station people mover providing passenger transport from Kralingse Zoom metro station in the Kralingen neighborhood of eastern Rotterdam to a business district in Capelle aan den Ijssel, Netherlands. The ParkShuttle uses autonomous battery powered 12-seater minibuses guided by the "Free Ranging on Grid" (FROG) system where the vehicles follow magnetic guide wires laid in the road. It carries about 2,400 passengers per day and runs with a scheduled service during peak periods and on-demand at other times.
Inputs
Main INPUTS for this project are:
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To develop the infrastructure for the autonomous cars based on the level of automation required e.g. Controlled or uncontrolled environment.
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Transportation service providers since it is a private owned company initiative and government collaboration.
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Information and technology services are required for real time data and scheduling of the shuttles.
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Big data is required to gather information about which routes is feasible and acceptance of the people to such autonomous public transport is more.
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Connectivity of autonomous tracks/road is important to expand the services to more places.
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Outputs
Main OUTPUTS of this project are:
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Less emissions due to reduction in the use of privately owned cars.
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Less traffic congestion.
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Better and cheap transportation as it promotes ride sharing.
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Enhanced safety as it removes the human error in driving.
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More free time as it is autonomous.
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Increased volume capacity of roads and higher speed limits.
Project Assets
1. Autonomous vehicles as public transport
2. Innovation and technology which is proven for more than 15 years.
Project Struggles
1. Development of autonomous vehicle for longer route is not feasible.
2. High investment and government acceptance.
Project Processes
Extension of the Park shuttle:
The high appreciation scores of the passengers in combination with the positive influence of the system on business park Rivium as a location for companies, are the basis of the decision to extend the service. A recent survey of passengers shows the ParkShuttle scores favorably in comparison to a bus service on reliability, operational hours, waiting times and passenger information.
The initial extension will be towards a stop at the ‘Van Brienenoord’ bridge where a station for the Waterbus will be created.
2getthere is currently developing its 3rd generation automated vehicle, incorporating the sensory systems to be able to drive in mixed traffic. The new vehicles are lighter, completely bidirectional and feature air-conditioning.
Project Status
The project is completed and operational from 1999. It is undergoing expansion for new routes in the city of Capelle aan den Ijssel.
Project Consortium member(s)
It is developed by the Dutch firm 2getthere and is operated by ConneXXion.
Contact
2getthere (HQ) Utrecht: info@2getthere.eu