Author: Bern Grush
Date Published: February 24, 2025
As cities move toward automated vehicle fleets, managing curb access for passenger and cargo pick-up and drop-off (PUDO) operations becomes increasingly critical. Unlike human drivers who make dynamic, opportunistic, and rule-breaking decisions about where to stop, automated vehicles require reliable, reserved spaces and shared protocols. Without a comprehensive PUDO management system, the promise of efficient automated mobility could be severely compromised for a busy city.
Pick-up and Drop-off Safety and Operational Concerns
Unmanaged PUDO operations pose significant safety risks. Automated vehicles without designated stopping areas might resort to stopping in traffic lanes, bike lanes, or other unsafe locations. This creates hazards for cyclists, pedestrians, and other vehicles. For example, a robotaxi unable to find proper curb access might stop in a way that forces passengers to cross traffic lanes or step into bicycle paths. The situation becomes even more concerning for passengers with mobility challenges or visual impairments.
Accessibility and Special Needs
The PUDO system must accommodate diverse user needs. A passenger using a wheelchair requires not just a designated stopping space, but additional room for ramp deployment and safe maneuvering. Similarly, visually impaired passengers need consistent, predictable pick-up locations with clear wayfinding assistance. For cargo operations, the system must account for loading equipment, package volume, weight requirements, and management regarding hazardous goods. These specialized needs demand more sophisticated space allocation than traditional parking management.
Curb Space Allocation Challenges
Cities face complex decisions about curb space designation. Should passenger PUDO zones be separated from cargo loading areas? How should space be allocated between private automated vehicles, robotaxis, and delivery services? The dynamic nature of demand throughout the day suggests the need for flexible space allocation systems that can adapt to changing patterns of use.
Orchestration Requirements
Similar to air traffic control systems, PUDO management requires centralized orchestration. All automated vehicles operating in a region must participate in a unified system to prevent chaos and ensure efficient space utilization. This orchestration must handle:
· Real-time space availability tracking
· Advance reservations for specific time slots
· Dynamic reassignment when delays occur
· Special accommodations for accessibility needs
· Priority management for different vehicle types and purposes
· Coordination with traffic flow patterns
Without such orchestration, even a modest fleet of automated vehicles could overwhelm available curb space, leading to traffic congestion, safety hazards, and service failures. The system must be robust enough to handle peak demand periods while maintaining efficient operations and optimal space usage.
Time-Space Management
The PUDO system must optimize both spatial and temporal aspects of curb access. Each vehicle needs not just physical space, but a specific time slot for its operation. The system must account for varying dwell times – a package delivery might take longer than a passenger drop-off, while a passenger using mobility assistance equipment needs a longer boarding time than someone traveling light.
Scalability Concerns
As automated vehicle adoption grows, the PUDO challenge becomes exponentially more complex. A system that works for a small fleet of robotaxis might break down completely when scaled to handle thousands of vehicles. This scalability requirement emphasizes the need for sophisticated algorithms that can optimize space utilization while maintaining service quality.
Integration with Urban Systems
The PUDO management system must integrate with existing urban infrastructure and traffic management systems. This includes coordination with traffic signals, consideration of peak traffic patterns, and adaptation to special events or emergency situations. The system should also provide data feedback to help cities optimize their curb space allocation and infrastructure planning.
Looking Ahead
As cities prepare for increased automated vehicle deployment, developing robust PUDO management systems becomes crucial. Without proper orchestration, the benefits of automated mobility could be severely compromised by chaos at the curb. The solution requires careful planning, sophisticated technology, and cooperation between vehicle operators, city managers, and system developers.
The draft standard ISO DTS 25614: "Intelligent transport systems — Kerbside management – Orchestration for loading and unloading" provides a foundation for addressing these challenges systematically. Email bern (at) urbanroboticsfoundation.org for a member’s preview.
Contact URF to become a member and part of our stakeholder consultations. The key member benefits are summarized on our website and we provide links for secure Stripe credit card payment of our modest annual dues. We offer 4 levels of membership based on the size of your organization and ability to pay.
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