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Technical and economic investigations of automated highway systems (AHS)
are
addressed. It has generally been accepted that such systems show
potential
to alleviate urban traffic congestion, so most of the AHS research has
been
focused instead on technical design and implementation issues. It is
demonstrated that, despite making a number of assumptions that are
favorable
to AHS, the actual viable implementation opportunities for AHS are scarce,
and that most existing congested urban areas can be disqualified on the
basis of at least one criterion developed herein. Technical
investigations
are described, including realistic estimates of AHS capacity, interfacing
with the local street system, and storage issues. Discussion then turns
to
identifying criteria to help establish the types of urban areas that might
be likely candidates for AHS technology. These criteria relate to the
nature of the surrounding infrastructure and the traffic demands placed on
it, as well as the economic realities of AHS implementation. Certain
"boutique" locations where AHS might be beneficial are identified, but it
is
uncertain whether enough benefit could be realized to make AHS palatable
to
the general public. AHS technology is not dismissed, but the simple
analyses contained herein should warn that much more research into these
areas is required before fully informed decision making about the future
of
AHS technologies can be accomplished.
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