Abstract
The aim of the experiment was to test the effect of an automated system of bus docking on drivers' mental workload, to guarantee good acceptance and minimal distraction from traffic. Reduced workload is thought to be brought about by helping the driver to maneuver, as he is only required to monitor proper functioning of the system. Workload was estimated by electrodermal activity recording while drivers tested five scenarios, involving or not the docking system. Results showed that docking precision was improved by the system, compared with manual docking. Drivers' workload was higher when they monitored the functioning of the system but was reduced after a learning process. Increased workload was evidenced in the event of dysfunction of the docking system, especially when drivers had to take over control. However, after habituation, such a system could be integrated into buses to improve safety during boarding and egress.
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