Vehicle Assist and Automation (VAA) Demonstration Evaluation Report

https://doi.org/10.21949/15034852016PDFTech ReportFTA Report No. 0093FL-26-7111-01 / FL-26-7117-00Public transitInfrastructureMobilityInnovationBus rapid transitAdvanced vehicle control systemsLane distributionLateral placementResearch reportsDriver assist systemVehicle assist and automationLane guidanceLateral controlPrecision dockingProgram evaluationOregonUnited States. Federal Transit Administration. Office of Research, Demonstration, and InnovationGregg, RobPessaro, BrianNational Bus Rapid Transit InstituteUniversity of South Florida. Center for Urban Transportation ResearchUnited States. Federal Transit Administration. Office of Research, Demonstration, and InnovationFederal Transit AdministrationThis report summarizes an evaluation of a vehicle assist and automation (VAA) system used by Lane Transit District in Eugene, Oregon, for its Emerald Express (EmX) Bus Rapid Transit (BRT). The 1.5-mile demonstration involved the use of magnetic sensors for precision docking at three stations and lane guidance between the stations. The VAA system was evaluated in six broad areas: bus driver satisfaction, customer satisfaction, efficiency/productivity, technical performance, maintenance, and safety. Data were collected from a variety of sources, including customer surveys, driver surveys and focus groups, accident reports, maintenance reports, and lane position data from the VAA on-board computer system. Key findings indicated that the VAA system kept the bus better centered in the busway while it was in motion, and it consistently docked the bus closer to the station platform. The VAA was widely praised by the bus operators and passengers for it precision docking at the station platforms.85