First Self Driving Bus Services Launch In The UK
15 May 2023
The first self driving bus services have launched in the UK.
Out of Edinburgh driverless vehicles operated by Stagecoach will run across the Forth Road Bridge from Ferrytoll park-and-ride in Fife to Edinburgh Park station.
The Alexander Dennis Enviro200AV buses have the capacity for roughly 10,000 passenger journeys per week, travelling at up to 50mph on the 14-mile route.
The five single-decker buses are also capable of handling roundabouts, traffic lights, and weaving between motorway lanes.
Tech sceptics fear not, as despite being driverless the bus will have two staff members on board.
Funded by the government Stagecoach worked alongside Fusion Processing Ltd and project partners Transport Scotland, Alexander Dennis, Edinburgh Napier University and Bristol Robotics Laboratory.
Stagecoach UK managing director Carla Stockton-Jones said: “We are excited to introduce the UK’s first autonomous bus fleet in east Scotland’”
“We are proud to be at the forefront of transport innovation with this project that marks a significant milestone for public transport.”