How Public Transport Authorities Can Prepare for Self-Driving Shuttles
Imagine a bus that doesn’t need a driver, doesn’t follow a fixed route, and only comes when you ask for it. This is not a dream — it’s called Automated Mobility on Demand, or AMoD, and it’s coming to Europe’s streets.
As part of the CAMINO project, cities and regions are getting ready for these smart transport systems. But for this to happen, Public Transport Authorities (PTAs) play a key role. So how can they prepare?
What Is AMoD?
AMoD uses self-driving vehicles to offer transport that is flexible and efficient. These vehicles don’t follow set timetables. Instead, they respond to real-time demand, picking up and dropping off passengers where needed.
An early example is the ParkShuttle in the Netherlands. It started in 1999 and runs on a separate road. Every day, almost 2,000 people use it. At busy times, it follows a fixed schedule. Outside those hours, passengers book their rides online.
AMoD is perfect for areas with low demand — like quiet neighbourhoods — where normal buses are too expensive to run. It also supports sustainability by reducing car use and cutting CO₂ emissions.
What Is the PTA’s Role?
The Public Transport Authority plans and oversees the transport system. With AMoD, PTAs must:
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Make sure the new service fits into existing plans.
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Set the rules and safety standards for automated transport.
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Find money for infrastructure and technology.
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Work with private companies and transport operators.
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Monitor pilot projects and check results.
This means the PTA is not just a planner — it becomes a leader in innovation.
What Resources Are Needed?
To support AMoD, PTAs need:
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Funding for planning, trials, and digital tools.
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Regulations to ensure safety, data privacy, and accessibility.
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Infrastructure like pick-up/drop-off zones and charging stations.
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Digital systems for booking, real-time tracking, and data sharing.
Even though PTAs don’t usually buy the vehicles themselves, they help pay for the roads and services that support AMoD. In some cases, PTAs pay per kilometre for the operation of automated shuttles.
How Much Does AMoD Cost?
There are two types of costs:
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CAPEX: One-time costs like buying vehicles or building charging points.
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OPEX: Ongoing costs like energy, maintenance, and operations.
Because AMoD is still new, it’s hard to give exact numbers. Costs can vary depending on the country, the type of vehicle, and the company that builds the system. But as technology improves, prices are expected to go down.
A Step-by-Step Plan for PTAs
CAMINO recommends a 4-phase plan to bring AMoD into your transport system:
1. Set Goals and Do a Feasibility Study
Find out where AMoD could help. For example, in areas with fewer buses or long travel times.
2. Talk to Stakeholders and Start Tendering
Bring together city staff, transport companies, and tech partners. Then write a clear tender to find the right partners.
3. Prepare Infrastructure and Digital Systems
Build or upgrade streets, charging points, and create an app or platform to connect all transport options.
4. Evaluate and Scale Up
Check the results. Did AMoD reduce car use? Was it reliable and safe? Then use that feedback to grow the service in other areas.
Looking Ahead
For PTAs, AMoD is not just about new vehicles — it’s a chance to modernise public transport. By planning carefully, working with partners, and focusing on local needs, PTAs can lead the move toward cleaner, smarter mobility.
As part of the CAMINO project, cities like Almere are already testing AMoD in real-life situations. Their experiences will help others do the same.
The future of transport is automated, connected, and demand-based — and it starts with PTAs taking the first step.
Deliverable: PTA Budget and Resources Guide For AMoD Deployment. Download via the pdf button below.