A modular, adaptive, and autonomous transit system (MAATS): An in-motion transfer strategy and performance evaluation in urban grid transit networks

Dynamic traffic demand has been a longstanding challenge for the conventional transit system design and operation. The recent development of autonomous vehicles (AVs) makes it increasingly realistic to develop next generation transportation systems with potential improve operational performance flexibility. In this study, we propose an innovative modular buses (AMBs) that is adaptive dynamic demands not restricted fixed routes timetables. A unique transfer operation, termed as “in-motion transfer”, introduced in paper passengers between coupled motion. two-stage model developed facilitate in-motion operations optimally designing passenger plans AMB trajectories at intersections. proposed system, all can travel shortest path smoothly without having actually alight different bus lines. Numerical experiments demonstrate results shorter time significantly reduced average number transfers. While enjoying above-mentioned benefits, modular, adaptive, (MAATS) does impose substantially higher energy consumption comparison system.