Feasibility Study of Advanced Automated Driving System for Public Buses in Okinawa

Abstract

In Okinawa, traffic jams are a serious social problem that should be resolved, and there are high expectations for the development of an advanced rapid transit (ART) system using automated driving technology. This feasibility study aimed to resolve various technological- and service-related issues to facilitate the introduction of an automated ART driving system in Okinawa. Although this study found that some functions of the proposed system were feasible, such as lane keeping, velocity, approach, and lane change controls, it also found that higher recognition capabilities and higher control accuracy will be necessary before a level 4 or 5 driverless automated driving system can be adopted. In addition, issues related to cost, laws, infrastructure, and support for disabled people will also have to be resolved before this system is ready for introduction.