With eCoBus the University of Luxembourg (UL) teamed up with the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) to design and assess a system approach exploiting the potentials of the new Cooperative Intelligent Transportation Systems (C-ITS) paradigm to meet the requirements of the next generation Public Transport (PT) systems. The main research challenges are in formulating and solving complex multiobjective optimisation problems involving game-theoretical aspects. The proposed system will be tested and evaluated not only in extensive simulations but also in real-world controlled experiments supported by our PT industry partners—Volvo Buses and Sales-Lentz (PT operator) and by MAMBA.

The challenge is posed by different operational characteristics and constraints of e-buses, that they need to periodically re-charge batteries at echarging stations placed in selected stops and terminals. This brings additional complexity into PT operations and its cost dynamics. Since several PT operators share the same e-charging infrastructure and complex electricity pricing schemes are usually applied elements of competition and fairness need to be addressed.