Autonomous vehicle (AV) technology is already entering the landscape of transportation and changing how travelers think about mobility. Integral to urban transportation networks, mass transit operators must consider emerging AV technologies in their vehicle fleet and their possible impacts on labor costs and transit operation.
My peer, Sue Dexter, and I evaluated Dublin's bus operator, Bus Átha Cliath, as a case study to determine return on investment (ROI) time for new AV buses. The infographic below highlights several key budgetary components from Bus Átha Cliath's 2017 Annual Report and the fiscal implications of AV investment.
There are several other facets of AV bus investment to consider, including transit riders' experiences and accessibility. These other facets may not be directly linked to revenue and costs but nevertheless have significant impacts, fiscal and otherwise. This infographic is meant to add dimensions to the conversation.