Automated buses represent a transformative technology with the potential to significantly enhance the cost-efficiency, environmental sustainability, and overall attractiveness of public transport systems, particularly in the face of staffing shortages. These vehicles can integrate into various operational paradigms, from fixed-route lines to demand-responsive transport (DRT) services, complementing existing transit networks. Microscopic agent-based transport models, such as MATSim, are frequently employed to assess the broad-scale applicability of automated buses. However, current modelling approaches often lack a clear differentiation between automated, autonomous and manually operated vehicles. This is a critical oversight, as empirical research demonstrates that automated vehicles operate under unique conditions influenced, for instance, by road infrastructure. Factors such as the presence of road markings or mobile network coverage significantly impact automated vehicle performance. This paper addresses this gap by proposing a methodology to couple a validated framework for evaluating road suitability for automated bus operation with large-scale transport models. This methodology contributes significantly to a more precise, realistic, and operationally relevant assessment of automated vehicle potential in public transportation. The paper outlines the challenges to the approach and implications to relevant stakeholder as well as necessary future research.