Autonomous buses could improve bus yard operations for electric fleets, according to CapMetro.
Austin’s Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority (CapMetro) is piloting an automated electric bus, which could improve the efficiency of bus yard operations. As Dan Zukowski explains in Smart Cities Dive, “The technology could increase existing bus yard capacity up to 90% while also improving safety for drivers, mechanics and other workers,” according to a press release from engineering services company WSP.
“CapMetro had planned to fully electrify its transit bus fleet by 2035, but it has encountered setbacks including the bankruptcy of one of its bus suppliers, reliability and range issues and charging capacity at its main bus depot.”
Zukowski adds, “The demonstration bus meets SAE Level 4 driving automation standards, which do not require a human driver but are limited to specific service areas.” The bus was tested in the authority’s North Operations and Maintenance Facility and successfully navigated obstacles and parked at a charging station.
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