UK’s first full-sized autonomous bus takes to the roads

The UK’s first full-sized autonomous bus will take to the roads this week.

Fitted with sensor and control technology from Bristol firm Fusion Processing, the Stagecoach buses will go through two weeks of on-road testing in Scotland in preparation for the launch of the CAVForth pilot service in late summer. 

The project, which also includes Edinburgh company Alexander Dennis and Transport Scotland as partners, is jointly funded by the UK government’s Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CCAV). Five single-deck autonomous buses will operate at SAE level four over the Forth Road Bridge, between Ferrytoll Park and Ride in Fife and the Edinburgh Park Train and Tram interchange.  

The buses are fitted with Fusion Processing’s CAVstar technology, enabling them to run on pre-selected roads without the safety driver having to intervene or take control. The buses will provide a service capable of carrying up to 36 passengers on the 14-mile route, with capacity for over 10,000 passengers a week. 

The passenger-free on-road testing follows successful depot-based trials, track testing and simulation. The buses will run on ‘actively managed’ hard shoulder while travelling eastbound on the M8.  

When the service starts, experienced bus drivers will monitor the autonomous system alongside a ‘captain’ who will move around the saloon, talking to passengers about the service and answering any questions they might have, demonstrating what a future service might feel like when the staff member is able to leave the cab while the computer does the driving. 

“The start of on-route testing is a milestone for our autonomous bus project,” said Chris Gall, engineering director of ADL Group. “In partnership with Stagecoach, Fusion Processing and Transport Scotland, Project CAVForth helps us to explore new technologies that will make buses even safer and even more efficient. As we move towards passenger services later in the year, the project will be a landmark demonstration of future technologies in transport.” 

Jim Hutchinson, CEO of Fusion Processing, said: “CAVForth 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.”