Stagecoach unveils UK’S first full-sized autonomous buses
Stagecoach has revealed the UK’S first full-sized autonomous buses which will likely start operating in Scotland next summer.
The buses are part of the Cavforth project and are being fitted with the groundbreaking sensor and control technology, which will allow them to become computerdriven.
As part of the trial, a new service will start next year.
Four single-deckers will run a 14-mile route from Fife’s Ferrytoll Park & Ride to Edinburgh Park, crossing the Forth Road Bridge.
Stagecoach believes the service will have capacity for up to 10,000 passengers a week.
The service is intended to make it easier for people to switch to public transport.
The buses are going through an array of virtual and track testing before on-road testing later this year.
Their colour and design were chosen after a consultation with local people, who wanted them to stand out from others.
Each of the four vehicles has beenmarkedab,whichstands for autonomous bus. Stagecoach hopes that this logo will become a standard identifier of autonomous vehicles.
Sam Greer, its regional director, said: “We are all very excited to be marking the next major milestone in our autonomous bus project, with buses planned to be on the road in early summer next year.
“The new service will provide a bus link between Fife and Edinburgh Park which currently does not exist and we hope will encourage more people to ditch the car, skip traffic jams and enjoy a relaxed journey in a dedicated bus lane and with new innovative stateof-the-art technology.”
Transport minister Graeme Dey said: "This groundbreaking and globally significant project will really help the country establish its credentials on the world stage.”
Jim Hutchinson, Fusion Processing CEO, said: “Cavforth is an exciting pilot service and a great demonstration of our automated vehicle technology."
Paul Davies, ADL president, said: “As the UK bus industry’s innovation leader, we are constantly exploring new ways to further increase efficiency and safety. The trial of the UK’S first full-sized autonomous bus service gives us an outstanding opportunity to gain realworld experience.”