Automation is strongly promoted in the road transport sector as a technology with economic development and transport efficiency potential, but evidence about the actual outcomes of road sector automation is limited and contradictory. It is proposed that broad sustainability benefits are most likely to be achieved if automation is applied to the bus system, as it is already relatively efficient and socially inclusive. However, significant service quality benefits are only likely to be achieved if completely crewless operation is possible. And even in the case of the bus, it is important to assess whether automation would, overall, support sustainable development objectives. The present paper tests this proposition, drawing on a unique automated urban bus service demonstration which operated in Didcot (UK) in 2023 as part of the MultiCAV Project. The paper takes a novel approach to assessing the future implications of technological innovations by applying the UN Sustainable Development Goals. A review of how the SDGS have been applied in (mainly retrospective) policy evaluation informs the development of a framework for assessing bus automation. Outcomes hypothesised to arise from a list of 22 SDG indicators are presented, and these hypotheses are evaluated using qualitative evidence from MultiCAV. It is found that bus automation could influence outcomes for up to 12 SDGs, but the most significant potential lies with indicators linked to economic activity, public transport use, and spatial development. However, due to the current stage of technological development, which does not permit crewless operation, the main benefit in the near future is identified as support for the innovation economy, although socioeconomic and transport benefits also arise from driver assistance technologies. It is concluded that the SDGs provide an effective framework for the sustainability appraisal of innovation, although the indicators must be selected for both the technology and its context.
End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture
Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all
Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all
Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all
Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialisation and foster innovation
Reduce inequality within and among countries
Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss
Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels
Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development
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Automated urban buses: An application of autonomous vehicle technology on route to sustainable development?
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