The UK has introduced its inaugural driverless bus service, which is now transporting paying passengers across the Forth Road Bridge after completing a million miles of
test runs. As part of the CAV Forth project, the Stagecoach service operates on a trial basis until 2025, shuttling passengers between Ferrytoll Park and Ride in Fife to Edinburgh Park Transport Interchange.
The autonomous buses, which cover a 14-mile route at speeds of up to 50 mph, have two staff members on board. A safety driver is present to assume control of the vehicle if necessary, while a designated "captain" handles ticket sales and customer service. This arrangement aims to demonstrate how a fully autonomous bus could potentially operate in the future.
The fleet comprises five Alexander Dennis Enviro 200 AV buses that navigate through mixed traffic conditions across the bridge. While traditional buses typically have only one driver, the presence of a captain showcases the envisioned operational model for full-size autonomous buses.
In the long run, it is anticipated that fully autonomous buses will require only one staff member, allowing them to leave the driver's seat and interact with passengers while the autonomous system handles the vehicle's operation. Advocates of autonomous buses highlight several advantages over manually driven vehicles, including enhanced safety with faster reaction times and improved efficiency through smoother acceleration and deceleration, leading to energy savings and reduced wear and tear on the vehicles.
During a recent event showcasing the buses, Stagecoach Director Sam Greer expressed the company's intention to analyze data, passenger feedback, and public reactions to further refine the autonomous bus service. As technology advances and confidence in autonomous systems grows, the potential for autonomous buses to revolutionize public transportation becomes increasingly tangible.
The successful implementation of the UK's first driverless bus service marks a significant milestone in the advancement of autonomous vehicles and reinforces the country's commitment to exploring innovative transportation solutions. As the trial period progresses, valuable insights will be gained, potentially paving the way for wider adoption of autonomous buses in the future. Photos by Nilfanion; Daniel James, Wikimedia commons.