Scotland trials driverless bus service infographic
Graphic shows where the self-driving buses operate.
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TRANSPORT

World’s first autonomous bus service begins in Scotland

By Ninian Carter

May 15, 2023 - The world’s first full-size, self-driving public bus service has begun in Scotland, with a fleet of five single-decker vehicles running a 22-kilometre route between Edinburgh and Fife.

Stagecoach Group has begun a driverless bus service over the Firth of Forth in Scotland, in what the UK government says is the first full-size, self-driving public bus service in the world.

Project CAVForth sees a fleet of five Alexander Dennis E200 single decker buses run a return service from Edinburgh Park in the city’s west to Ferrytoll Park and Ride in Fife, mainly using motorways and travelling at up to 80 kilometres an hour.

The vehicles have two members of staff on board – a safety driver sitting in the driver’s seat to monitor the technology, and manually take-over if necessary, and a “bus captain” who is there to help passengers with boarding, buying tickets and queries.

Sources
PUBLISHED: 15/05/2023; STORY: Graphic News
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