Deployment of Connected Autonomous Vehicles (CAVs) for Mass Transit using Car Sharing Services

CAVs can enhance network capacity, minimize congestion, make travel journeys stress-free, and maximize safety. The implementation of CAV technology occurs through a project-by-project deployment scenario rather than a system‐wide rollout. Typically, CAVs are implemented initially as pilot programs or installations at specific locations. Deployment in this manner allows the evaluation of CAV applications and the gradual availability of investments. Incorporating CAV deployment for mass-transit application is a crucial area of research, where the CAV development represents a high potential for business markets and service users. This thesis aims to develop modeling and simulation of scenarios for CAVs car-sharing services in Turin city. A service that will provide users with access to CAV vehicles for movement from fixed pick-up, drop-off points and gives options for urban and sub-urban stops and a possibility to share the ride by subscribing to the service by the dedicated vendor. Integrating scenario planning in CAV deployment for mass transit in such cases provides a better understanding of emerging trends and assists in planning possible future conditions. The modeled scenarios design and simulations were performed on a multi-modal traffic simulation software to analyze CAV performance in real-world scenarios. The simulation models developed with considerations that support the analysis of traffic-flow patterns, where the results are accumulated and assessed using key performance indicators for the planned strategies. Finally, a case study was formulated based on the methods developed, highlighting the main attributes, proposed approach, actors involved, given the underlying integrating levels.