Autonomous vehicles (AVs) applications can be categorized into a) private autonomous vehicles, b) shared autonomous taxis and c) heavy duty autonomous vehicles like trucks and buses. Research studies [1] based on simulation and hypothetical models suggest that connected and autonomous vehicles (CAVs) will result in increased vehicle miles, shift from active travel to more autonomous vehicle (AV) travel, and more urban sprawl. Thus, these technologies seem to be in conflict with sustainability goals. However, AVs can be environmentally friendly and have social equity benefits if used for public transport, shuttles and shared use mobility. Based on public perception [1], AVs are well accepted for public transport among the public as opposed to being used as personal vehicles.
Mouratidis & Cobeña Serrano [2] analyzed the intention for using autonomous buses within a case study area to see user perceptions of AVs. They observed that travelers would be willing to adopt autonomous buses if these offer more frequent departures. López-Lambas & Alonso [1] observed autonomous buses to decrease congestion, intersection wait time and reduce emissions as factors to influence perception of acceptance of these technologies.
Automated applications for trucks have received a lot of attention over the years due to ease of platooning with freight and the potential network wide operation and fuel consumption benefits. Z. Wang et al. [3] tested connected eco-driving system on heavy duty trucks in Carson, California on two corridors with six intersections. They observed smoothing of speed profiles when trucks approached signalized intersections and showed 9 percent and 4 percent fuel savings in acceleration and deceleration phases. Lee et al. [4] analyzed the safety and mobility of different market penetrations of truck platoons using simulation. They observed that safety improved with 2.5 percent higher speed difference by increasing market penetration rate of truck platoons. M. Wang et al., [5] tested truck platooning under different penetration rates in a simulation environment and observed truck platooning to reduce congestion and improve throughput at higher market penetration rates. They observed significant variability in merging speed under saturated traffic.
The literature has focused more on the benefits of AVs in personal vehicles than the use of heavy duty AVs. Additional research is needed regarding the use of heavy duty AVs for public transport, as well as potential system impacts of automated trucking.