Real-time schedule adjustments for autonomous public transport vehicles

•New methodology of real-time schedule adjustments for autonomous public transport vehicles (APTVs).•Advanced technologies of improving in the reliability, efficiency, and attractiveness of public transport (PT) service.•Two operational strategies for the APTVs: holding and speed changing.•Approach is based on time-dependent demand.•A case study in Auckland, New Zealand, is employed to assess the new model.