Phileas simulatoronderzoek: gedrag en evaluatie chauffeurs

Phileas is a new, high quality public transport vehicle combining characteristics of bus, tram, and the underground. Phileas is equipped with pneumatic tyres and complies with the statutory regulations for buses. Accordingly Phileas may drive everywhere on public roads where buses are allowed to drive. On dedicated lanes Phileas can also drive as a track vehicle and drive and stop automatically. This combination is new and might have unexpected consequences in practice that must be studied in advance. For this reason 25 professional bus drivers have completed a number of experimental rides in a Phileas driving simulator. During these rides sometimes dangerous, and sometimes less dangerous, events happened that required active take-over of control by the driver. During the experiment several aspects of the driver’s behaviour were registered, including whether he or she regained control, and whether control was claimed in time. Subjective appraisal of driving the Phileas and the man machine interface were also assessed. Results of the experiment show that if drivers have a good overview of the situation they regain control well in time. However, the first time encounter with very unexpected situations, tested with a cyclist who ran a red light and crossed closely in front of the Phileas, did lead to conflicts. In about 30% of the conditions the driver did not reclaim control. After this first time experience drivers were cautious to this (type of) incident and responded in time. In general the professional divers evaluated Phileas positively, the vehicle was seen as useful and driving it was experienced as pleasant. Most drivers drove in automatic mode, but this may be a result of the instruction (but not obligation) to drive as much as possible in this mode. Drivers trusted Phileas, an important condition for literally ‘handing over’ the steering wheel. Criticism focussed on the location of the button that switched between the three different driving modes (automatic, semi-automatic, and manual). This button was preferred in a location near hand, e.g. on the steering wheel column with a clear indication of present driving mode. The earlier mentioned problems with unexpected incidents are a serious threat to safety. Future drivers should be thoroughly trained to obtain the required, alert attitude with regard to Phileas’ functioning in traffic. Because of the automatic character of driving a Phileas (everything runs automatically) this is not obvious and drivers should be prepared for and trained in dealing with unexpected events