This paper identifies major commonalities and differences in the development of Automated Vehicle Guidance (AVG) systems in California and the Netherlands. Firstly, the methodology used for studying AVG development is described. A hypothesised evolution of AVG systems is then presented. Many commonalities have been identified, for instance, the existence of technical, market, and socioeconomic uncertainties and the need to cope with these uncertainties during research, development and deployment. Other commonalities were found with respect to the necessity of "stakeholder" or "interest group" participation and even co-operation and the need for progressive or incremental deployment. Major differences occur in the degree of emphasis on Automated Highway Systems (AHS). Differences were also found in the kinds and degrees of uncertainties and the companion methods used in addressing the uncertainties. Finally, transportation system characteristics were found to differ.
Abstract