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In the recent years the urban transport system known as BRT (Bus Rapid Transit System) is gaining importance due to the growing demands from alternatives to rail systems. However, unlike rail systems, the performance of BRT depends on the driver's ability to perform accurate docking maneuvers on the bus stop platform and to travel in narrow bus lane quickly and safely. In this scenario, the automation of the bus through the technology of automated steering shows up as a viable alternative, with excellent prospect of operational performance improvement. This article shows how sensing technologies (including magnetic and optical), computational intelligence and electromechanical actuator can transform standard bus in automatically guided vehicle. In addition, it discusses the importance of integrating automated vehicle guidance system (AVGS) with Intelligent Transport System (ITS) to increase operational performance and safety of the BRT.

This paper describes the approach used, in accordance with IEC-61508 Standard, to define and allocate the safety requirements of a Magnetic Guidance System applied to urban buses. This paper covers the concept and design activities specific to the system safety lifecycle encompassing the Concept, Overall Scope Definition, Hazard and Risk Analysis, Overall Safety Requirements and Safety Requirements Allocation phases. Highlights of the adopted methodology include the application of the Controllability principle for determining the system risks, and the relevant role played by the FTA (Fault Tree Analysis) technique.