Framework for automated taxi operation: The family model

Replacement of conventional taxis by automated vehicles will challenge taxi operation in many ways. Decisions made by taxi drivers will be substituted by an integrated scheduling system that also manages the non-revenue generating activities such as vehicle pre-allocation, recharging and service trips. In order to tackle this challenge, this study introduces a theoretical framework for autonomous vehicles based on the model of a family. The family model decomposes the complexity of scheduling for automated vehicle fleets. It allows vehicles to negotiate among them in a decentralized fashion and at the same time it allows the fleet manager to set fleet priorities and to pre-allocate vehicles in locations of expected future demand. Furthermore, it proposes a transparent framework for communication with service providers.