All aboard… or maybe not anymore! The world’s first full-size driverless bus service is heading to the depot for good, as CAVForth’s ambitious project comes to an end due to low passenger numbers. After rolling out (quite literally) in May 2023, these futuristic buses have been shuttling between Fife and Edinburgh on the Stagecoach timetable. But despite the cutting-edge tech and government backing, the wheels will stop turning in February 2025.
High-Tech on the Highway
Picture this: five single-decker, self-driving buses equipped with advanced sensors, gliding along a 14-mile route at speeds of up to 80 km/h. From Ferrytoll park and ride in Fife to the bustling Edinburgh Park interchange, these buses have been alternating between manual and autonomous control, giving passengers a glimpse of what the future of transport could look like.
But here’s the thing—even though they’re “driverless,” they still required two staff members on board. A safety driver was always at the ready to take over, and a bus captain was there to assist passengers. Talk about a high-tech paradox!
Why the Brakes Are Being Applied
So, what went wrong? Despite the impressive setup, CAVForth admits that “passenger adoption” fell short of expectations. Simply put, not enough people hopped on board. This lack of ridership has forced the government-funded pilot project, which cost a whopping €7.13 million, to call it quits.
Interestingly, the UK government’s Intelligent Mobility Fund poured in over two-thirds of the project’s cost, with the rest covered by Stagecoach, Transport Scotland, and other industry players. Despite the financial backing and all the buzz around self-driving tech, it seems the public just wasn’t quite ready to embrace the driverless experience.
A World First, Lessons Learned
In their farewell statement, CAVForth partners expressed pride in what they achieved, describing the project as a “world first” and highlighting the valuable insights it delivered. Even though the passenger numbers didn’t meet expectations, the trial provided crucial data on how autonomous buses can operate in real-world conditions.
The project’s success wasn’t necessarily measured by how many passengers used the service but by how much was learned about making self-driving buses a viable option for public transport in the future. And according to CAVForth, they’re already looking at other ways to apply this technology elsewhere in the UK.
What’s Next for Driverless Tech?
This might be the end of the road for CAVForth’s pioneering service, but it’s just the beginning for autonomous transport. With massive strides made in understanding the tech, regulations, and real-world operations, don’t be surprised if you see driverless buses cruising through your city someday soon.
Until then, we can salute the bold attempt by CAVForth and its partners to pave the way for smarter, greener, and more autonomous public transport.
Want to read the full story? Check out the original article here: BBC News.
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