Introduction of fully automated systems is technically feasible now, but public introduction on a large scale is at least waiting for safety provisions and public acceptance, and also on proper legislation that clearly establishes responsibility and liability. New high quality public transport vehicles combining characteristics of bus, tram, and metro (the underground) have been developed and recently introduced. This combination is new and as the dedicated lanes have level crossings with ordinary traffic this might have unexpected consequences in practice that must be studied in advance. For this reason 25 professional bus drivers have completed a number of experimental rides in a driving simulator. Taking the results of the experimentation into account, it is clear that a driving license issued for conventional driving should not be applied to driving (semi-)automated vehicles unconditionally, at least not without thorough preparation for what may happen in such conditions. Combined simulator and on-the-job training and separate licensing for limited periods of time, in type-approved simulators should be mandatory, very similar to what is considered normal in aviation with the training of pilots. (Author/publisher)
Abstract