Automated Buses at Airports: ADASTEC's Innovative Project at Rotterdam

Explore how automated buses improve airport transportation by enhancing efficiency, safety, and sustainability, setting a new standard for seamless and eco-friendly travel.

June 25, 2024

Addressing the Challenges of Non-Stop Airport Operations

The Importance of Continuous Transportation

Travel is more than just arriving at your destination; it's about the entire journey. This begins with how you get to and from the airport. Airports operate around the clock, making continuous, reliable transportation essential. Automated buses play a crucial role here, offering dependable and consistent services throughout the day and night, ensuring that no matter when your flight lands or takes off, your journey to and from the airport is seamless and stress-free.

ADASTEC's Deployment at Rotterdam Airport

Rotterdam The Hague Airport

Pioneering with Two Automated Buses

By integrating these advanced automated buses, ADASTEC aims to streamline passenger flow and improve the overall efficiency of airport transfers. The buses will operate on a 2-kilometer route between the airport and the nearest metro station, efficiently managing passenger flow and energy use. This service provides a direct link, reducing the need for private car use and contributing to a cleaner environment. With Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) technology, these buses communicate with traffic lights and special airport signals, enhancing traffic flow and reducing congestion. The interior design of the buses allows passengers to easily board with their luggage, adding comfort and convenience. Aiming for a maximum speed of 50 km/h, this project is set to become a first automated bus airport deployment in Europe.

How Automated Buses Make a Difference

These buses will operate on a 2-kilometer route between the airport and the nearest metro station, efficiently managing passenger flow and energy use. This service will provide a direct link, reducing the need for private car use and contributing to a cleaner environment.

Environmental Sustainability Through Innovation

Automated buses not only enhance transportation efficiency but also contribute significantly to environmental sustainability. Here are the key ways they make a difference:

1. Reducing Carbon Emissions

By using %100 electric automated buses, ADASTEC helps minimize the use of fossil fuels and reduces carbon emissions at Rotterdam Airport, supporting global environmental sustainability efforts.

2. Enhancing Safety with Automated Technology
Minimizing Human Error

Automated buses significantly reduce accidents caused by human error. By incorporating advanced technology, these buses ensure a safer travel environment within and around airport premises.

3. Cutting Operational Costs
Saving on Long-Term Expenses

Automated buses reduce the need for drivers and optimize energy efficiency, leading to substantial cost savings in airport operations.

4. Improving Passenger Experience
Comfortable and Stress-Free Rides

ADASTEC’s automated buses are designed to offer a comfortable riding experience that is accessible to all and allows passengers to travel with ease and without the stress of traditional bus transit.

5. Optimizing Traffic Flow
Smooth and Coordinated Transportation

With Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) technology, these buses communicate with traffic signals and other infrastructural elements, enhancing traffic flow and reducing congestion around the airport.

6. Adapting to Future Needs
Ready for Technological Advances

The scalability of ADASTEC’s technology means that these automated buses can adapt to future increases in passenger numbers and technological advancements, making them a sustainable choice for modern airports.

This project not only showcases ADASTEC's commitment to innovative transportation solutions but also sets a benchmark for other airports to follow. By adopting automated buses, airports worldwide can improve efficiency, safety, and passenger satisfaction, paving the way for a more sustainable and connected future.

Özgür İpek

Ozgur Ipek is the Project Management Team Leader at ADASTEC. He holds a bachelor's degree (2017) and an M.Sc. in Intelligence Vehicles (2020) from Istanbul Okan University. With over five years of experience in autonomous vehicles and a PMP certification from the Project Management Institute, he transitioned from a software engineer to a project manager at ADASTEC. Currently, he leads the Project Management team, managing EMEA projects and driving innovation within the company.