Driverless busses are now running on British roads.

In a first for the country,  full-sized autonomous buses have begun transporting passengers. The trial route is Fife to Edinburgh, marking a “significant milestone” for public transport and autonomous vehicles.

All change

The AB1 service, operated by Stagecoach, is the culmination of the CAVForth project.

A fleet of five vehicles cover a new 14-mile route, travelling at up to 50mph.

Despite being self-driving, the service will have two members of staff on board. There is a ‘safety driver’ to monitor the technology, and a ‘captain’ to take tickets and answer customer questions.

The captain also helps demonstrate what a full-size autonomous bus might feel like in the future. One member of staff on future buses will be able to leave the cab while the computer does the driving.

Top deck views

The trial will run until 2025, aiming to demonstrate autonomous technology in a real-world environment. It expects to transport up to 10,000 passengers per week.

During this time, the benefits for passengers, operations and society will be closely monitored. This will allow necessary  improvements to be made before a wider roll out.

Professor Nick Antonopoulos, deputy vice chancellor and vice principal of research and innovation at Edinburgh Napier University, says it is “a world-leading project”.

“Automation offers an opportunity to transform the ways we get around in years to come, while improving safety and reducing energy consumption.

Take you seats

The route was officially launched on 11th May, carrying its first passengers on the 15th May.

Kevin Stewart, Scottish transport minister, described it as “really exciting” and “innovative and ambitious”.

“We want Scotland to continue to be at the forefront in the development of Connected and Autonomous Vehicles and the start of this live trial will really help the country establish its credentials on the world stage.

“I am excited to see how this technology can help to support our vision for a sustainable, inclusive, safe and accessible transport system.”

Correct change

The project is part-funded by the UK Government’s Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CCAV).

It has received additional funding for CAVForth II, which challenges the partners to extend the route north to Dunfermline City bus station in 2024.