Automated Vehicles in the Depot and on Public Roads - A Concept for Their Integration in the Public Transport System

The integration of Automated Vehicles into the Public Transport (PT) sector presents key challenges, including passenger safety and fleet management. While manufacturers develop methods for Automated Driving (AD) systems, Automated Vehicles (AVs) integration for PT remains unsolved. Transport companies need standardized procedures to ensure safe operation. Furthermore, seamless integration of AVs and also manual vehicles into existing PT systems is crucial, with depots playing a vital role in maintaining roadworthiness and safety. To this end we propose a novel concept modeling AV integration into PT, including a reference architecture with management systems, roles, interfaces, and responsibilities derived from operational processes taking place on a daily bases on a depot.