Decision making approaches optimizing the benefits of fully autonomous and connected collective cars

An Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) operating without prior reservations while offering high quality, door-to-door services at reduced fares is studied. The structure, comprised of fully autonomous cars, covers arbitrary urban areas and operates without prior reservations. Specifically developed control algorithms based on Optimization, Operations Research and Artificial Intelligence optimize the system management for any demand level and geometry. Due to V2V, V2I and V2C connectivity a fast and secure information update is achieved. Well-adapted itineraries considering customer preferences are dynamically defined. Idle vehicles are controlled and travel durations are reduced. Adequate use of the available vehicle capacity allows an important reduction of the costs for both cars and users. A comparative study with a self-service manually driven car scheme is also introduced. Qualitative and quantitative measurements appraise the system perfomance. The presented micro transit scheme in association with innovative technology (UV light sanitizing cars) could form a successful and affordable alternative for all involved entities commuters, traffic and environment under pandemic crisis where mass public transport operators increase traveller risks.