Metro Vancouver Transit Discussion II

[jollyburger]

Bus Automated Repositioning In-Yard Pilot

The enterprise is exploring bus repositioning in-yard using Level 4 technology to explore possible applications that the enterprise can take advantage of in improving performance and reduce cost in the yard on processes, more efficient use of scarce yard space and increasing worker safety by reducing the likelihood of costly accidents within the confines of the yard. This initial pilot is a small-scale test that would help inform the organization relating investments that need to be made in future yard upgrades and bus repositioning as well as skillsets that would need to be acquired to prepare the enterprise for the future. Learnings and outcomes from this pilot will be used as an input to future decisions that the enterprise will make in terms of technology and modernization in yard. The pilot test is targeted to be executed in Spring / Summer of 2025.

TransLink is seeking proposals from qualified Vendor experienced with doing similar pilots with other transit agencies.

https://service.ariba.com/Discovery.aw/109571029/aw?awh=r&awssk=Xrdp7YtO

White paper from WSP

The Automated Bus Yard (ABY) involves the
retrofit of existing buses, or the procurement
of ADS-equipped buses, to autonomously drive
within the confines of a bus depot. Autonomous
vehicles are still several years away from becoming
commonplace on city streets due to the complex and
unpredictable forces of traffic (pedestrian, cyclists,
other vehicles), and/or adverse weather impacts.
Thus, automating the bus yard — a controlled
environment with fewer unpredictable obstacles
— provides transit agencies a low-risk path to
capitalize on a multitude of benefits. While bus yards
often suffer from aging infrastructure and limited
space, there is still a sense of order where vehicles
are intended to safely drive and park. This creates
an operational design domain that is programmable
and therefore much safer to test and integrate an
autonomous bus fleet.

https://www.wsp.com/-/media/hubs/us/fact-sheets/bus-automation_white-paper_final.pdf