Transit Bus Automation Project: Transferability of Automation Technologies Final Report

Nasser, Ahmad; Brewer, John; Najm, Wassim; Cregger, Joshua · 2018 · ROSA P / United States. Federal Transit Administration. Office of Research, Demonstration, and Innovation

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Summary

This report, prepared by the Volpe National Transportation Systems Center for the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), evaluates the feasibility of transferring 13 commercially available automation technologies from light-duty vehicles and commercial trucks to 40-foot diesel transit buses. The study addresses the gap in transit bus automation, which lags behind other vehicle sectors, by identifying technical barriers and safety challenges associated with adapting existing systems. The research focuses on SAE Level 2 and lower automation systems, aiming to provide strategic guidance for FTA research priorities and industry development. The methodology involved a comprehensive analysis of foundational vehicle actuation systems—specifically braking, steering, and powertrain—and a comparison of automation strategies across different vehicle types. The authors assessed 13 specific systems, including Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Keeping/Lane Centering, and Object Detection and Collision Avoidance (ODCA). Each system was graded as Green (minor modifications needed, low safety concerns), Yellow (major modifications needed, low-to-moderate safety concerns), or Red (new technology required, high safety concerns). This evaluation considered the extent of required modifications to bus components, the maturity of sensor technologies, and the complexity of integrating electronic actuation into existing pneumatic and mechanical systems. The findings indicate that transferring automation to transit buses is not straightforward and generally requires significant modification or redesign of foundational systems. Sensors were identified as mature and adaptable without major changes. However, the implementation of electronic control for braking systems emerged as a major challenge due to the prevalence of pneumatic brakes in buses, which are less conducive to automation than hydraulic systems. Consequently, systems relying on automated braking, such as AEB and Adaptive Cruise Control, received a "Red" grade, indicating they require new technology and pose higher safety risks. Steering systems, while requiring modification, were deemed more feasible than braking systems, leading to "Yellow" grades for applications like Lane Keeping and Steering Assist. Object Detection and Collision Avoidance received a "Green" grade, as it primarily relies on sensors and warnings rather than complex actuation. The report also notes that automated applications will likely require new communication architectures with sufficient bandwidth and new human-machine interfaces. The significance of this report lies in its strategic implications for the transit industry and federal policy. It highlights that while sensors are ready for deployment, the industry must invest in foundational systems that support electronic actuation, particularly in braking and steering, to enable higher levels of automation. The findings suggest that FTA should prioritize research and demonstration projects not only based on technical transferability but also on the operational value of the technology, such as improving safety or reducing operational costs. The report serves as a roadmap for overcoming technical barriers, emphasizing that while some systems are ready for immediate transfer, others require substantial engineering development and safety validation before they can be effectively integrated into transit bus operations.

Key finding

Object Detection and Collision Avoidance systems are graded Green as most ready for transfer, whereas applications involving automated braking are graded Red due to the significant challenges of electronically controlling pneumatic brake systems.

Methodology

review

Provenance

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