MaaS:CAV

"This project is a technical feasibility study to enable the commercial deployment of autonomous systems as part of an integrated mobility system for the Culham Science Park and Science Vale area.

The first stage of integrating driverless cars as a key transportation service is to determine what is the optimal positioning of such technology in the immediate and further future (5/10/15 year steps). In MaaS:CAV, the case will be made for integrating Connected Autonomous Vehicles (CAVs), SAE level 4 and above, as part of a Mobility as a Service (MaaS) systems in Culham area, and how this can be later scaled up and/or applied to similar situations. One particular area of interest is the ability of CAVs to provide solutions for the First/Last mile with close-to-market technology. Agent-based modelling will be used to quantify the effect of CAV integration on MaaS at different levels and its broader impact on growth and accessibility.

In creating such a radical and innovative transportation system, the question of enabling infrastructure investment rises. It is important to consider what the essential technology is and furthermore, what are business cases from both private and public sectors that can enable it. To model this, we initially built an understanding of demand picture (O/D and current mode use) around Science Vale, Didcot Parkway and surrounding villages, then focusing on Culham. Moreover, we will investigate the current attitudes towards CAVs (interviews, questionnaires) and the user profiles to find the best way to promote adoption.

We will explore a case study based on a technology application in development by one of the consortium partners to create traffic-light-free intersections for CAVs, to examine the viability from local government and private sector perspectives, based on modelling of its effect that will be carried out. MaaS:CAV will examine a real-world setting and emerging technology to develop a roadmap to allow CAVs to integrate for the integration of CAVs into a practicable MaaS system. MaaS:CAV will be delivered by a diverse and world-leading consortium, including research institutions, industry and local authorities.

The outcome of this study will be useful to guide the integration of CAVs into a MaaS platform and how the associated government and industry business cases could be structured. The conclusions will have both immediate impacts to the area used for the study as well as being scaleble across the Oxfordshire and applicable to similar regions in the UK and abroad."