Learning lessons from self-driving shuttle pilots

The number of self-driving shuttle pilots in the Netherlands has increased significantly in recent years and it is expected that this growth will continue in the coming years. Many different learning experiences are gained in these pilots. Commissioned by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, we gathered all the lessons learned.
What did we do?
We gathered the lessons learned on self-driving shuttles in the Netherlands and transformed them into decision information from a government perspective. Knowledge issues as formulated by the Ministry served as the common thread in this research. By talking to the parties involved in the realisation of the pilots, the lessons learned were collected.
What did we learn?
The research provides insight into the most important lessons regarding all stakeholders involved, the functioning of the vehicles, policy and organisation, infrastructure and safety. In terms of stakeholders, the study examines which parties are involved and what role they play in the pilots.
Regarding the functioning of the vehicles, we looked at disengagement, the functioning of the vehicles in weather conditions and the adjustment of the vehicles during a pilot. In the area of policy and organisation, the research delves into the different approaches of the pilots, the often still shaky business cases, concessions and the stimulating and inhibiting conditions that play a role in the setting up and execution of a pilot. Finally, the infrastructural adaptations and the interaction with other road traffic are included.
Client: Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management
Year: 2020
Involved in this project: Martijn Legêne | Arthur Scheltes

Infographic met algemene kenmerken van pilots met zelfrijdende shuttles
Belangrijkste lessen:
- Wat betreft functioneren:
- Bereik van sensoren wordt steeds beter
- Veel verschil tussen verschillende voertuigfabrikanten
- Shuttles lijken positief te worden ontvangen door overige weggebruikers
- Weeromstandigheden hebben geen negatieve invloed op functioneren
- Wat betreft beleid:
- Subsidie is nodig voor de toepassing van zelfrijdende shuttles
- Veel verschillende partijen betrokken
- Toelatingsproces evolueert (behoefte aan standaardisatie)
- Wat betreft de pilots zelf:
- Learning by doing staat centraal
- Bijna alle pilots rijden volgens een vast schema
- Sterke behoefte aan nationale kennisbank voor delen ervaringen
- Ten tijden van onderzoek (2019) in elke pilot een steward aanwezig
- Wat betreft gebruikers:
- Type gebruiker verschilt (zowel incidenteel als regulier)
- Gebruikers over het algemeen positief
- Wat betreft verkeersveiligheid:
- Veel aandacht voor verkeersveiligheid
- Bij toename vlotgrootte zou verkeersveiligheid een risico kunnen vormen
Bekijk de hele rapportage van dit onderzoek hier.
Opdrachtgever: Ministerie van Infrastructuur en Waterstaat
Jaar: 2019-2020