Scotland looks set to become the latest country to introduce self-driving technology into its public road transport system.
A self-driving bus (pictured above) has just begun trials in Scotland and is the first driverless full-size bus to operate anywhere in the UK.
If the trial is deemed a success, the bus is expected to welcome paying passengers in the next couple of months.
Additional buses with the same technology fitted will also get to work.
Operated by the Scottish transport group, Stagecoach, the bus is equipped with an array of sensors that enable it to run on pre-selected roads without a human at the wheel.
“This is a major step forward in our journey to fully launch the UK’s first full-sized autonomous bus service and will provide easy access to a brand-new bus route in the heart of Scotland.” – Sam Greet, regional director of Stagecoach.
The self-driving bus is expected to carry around 10,000 passengers annually.
Providing the tech to allow the bus to go ‘driver-free’ is a business called Fusion Processing.
Jim Hutchinson is the businesses CEO.
“We’re delighted to be leading the world’s most complex and ambitious autonomous vehicle program.”
“The bus will provide a useful service to local people as well as being a great demonstration of Fusion’s automated vehicle technology.
“On-road testing is an exciting milestone in the development of autonomous commercial vehicles and we look forward to welcoming passengers on-board in a few months’ time.”
