This is cool. Yet the primary efficiency over conventional shuttles appears to be limited to lower labor costs. Unlike the taxi market, it does not appear to reduce vehicle count or improve passenger experience via better service.
Better service in a regular route context comes mostly from dedicated right of way and platforms. The classic example is Curitiba's bus system in lieu of a subway system It could not afford. The real change for campus shuttle service will be if automation leverages itself into dedicated shuttle rights of way as a safety measure or direct commitment to improved service.
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This is cool. Yet the primary efficiency over conventional shuttles appears to be limited to lower labor costs. Unlike the taxi market, it does not appear to reduce vehicle count or improve passenger experience via better service.
Better service in a regular route context comes mostly from dedicated right of way and platforms. The classic example is Curitiba's bus system in lieu of a subway system It could not afford. The real change for campus shuttle service will be if automation leverages itself into dedicated shuttle rights of way as a safety measure or direct commitment to improved service.