Design of urban transit services using autonomous modular buses

This paper presents a deterministic analytical framework for modelling the operation of urban bus lines using autonomous modular buses (AMBs). These AMBs consist of modular pods that can couple and uncouple from each other and allow passengers to transfer between them while they are in motion. We present a strategy where AMBs do not make stops along their route. Instead, individual pods pick up passengers from a stop and connect to the AMB, while others detach to facilitate alighting at the next stop. Sensitivity analyses are conducted to compare cost savings and performance metrics with regard to conventional bus operation, identifying favourable conditions for potential implementation, and forecasting a significant reduction in user travel times. This novel transit service can yield up to nearly 20% in operator costs and user travel time, making it a potentially optimal choice under conditions of high demand and long user trip distance.