Abstract
This study investigates the use of shared autonomous vehicles (SAVs) to enhance the resilience of fixed-route transit systems. This study focuses on the strategic deployment of SAVs during disruptive events to serve stranded transit passengers alongside regular SAV travelers. The study begins by detailing the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) Light Rail Transit (LRT) system, highlighting its capacities, challenges, and the potential improvements offered by SAVs. We present three disruptive scenarios. In the first scenario, a temporary transit disruption caused by an earthquake prompts the deployment of SAVs to transport stranded passengers to their homes or designated drop-off locations. The second scenario assumes a short-term transit operation disruption due to an earthquake in which SAVs transport stranded passengers to their homes or designated SAV drop-off locations. Third scenario examines a complete, long-term transit shutdown resulting from a safety/security issue, such as a mass shooting-induced multi-month system closure. We propose and deploy an agent-based model to test various SAV deployment strategies in these three scenarios to understand the improvement of performance metrics such as traveler wait time and delay in the disrupted transit system. The results provide a concrete demonstration of the promising role of SAVs during transit system disruption. Through the disruption scenarios, we provide insights into the performance under various fleet sizes and their availability of use. This study provides a valuable analysis for urban planners, transportation authorities, and policymakers interested in leveraging shared mobility and automation technologies for improved urban mobility resilience.