Autonomous bus service to end due to low patronage
Not enough bus passengers have used the AB1 autonomous bus service over the Forth for Stagecoach to continue its operation.
The last journey on service AB1 will be on Friday 14 February.
Called the CAVForth project, the autonomous bus service is operated by Stagecoach East Scotland at a 20-minute frequency between Edinburgh Park and the Ferrytoll Park and Ride site via the Forth Road Bridge. Five autonomous Alexander Dennis Enviro200 MMCs are used on the 14-mile route, which was opened to paying passengers in May 2023. A human driver is always onboard, regardless of whether the bus is in autonomous mode or not.
“Although passenger adoption on the AB1 route did not meet expectations, the trial has significantly advanced the understanding of the operational and regulatory requirements for autonomous services” – Stagecoach East Scotland spokesperson
A spokesperson for Stagecoach East Scotland said: “We are proud to have achieved a world-first with our CAVForth autonomous bus service, demonstrating the potential for self-driving technology on a real-world registered timetable in East Scotland.
“This groundbreaking trial project has delivered invaluable insights, with partners working together to shape the future of public transport. While the service will conclude in February 2025, it has provided a wealth of learnings that will inform the continued development of autonomous technology in the UK.
“Although passenger adoption on the AB1 route did not meet expectations, the trial has significantly advanced the understanding of the operational and regulatory requirements for autonomous services, delivering what was expected from this demonstrator project.
“The partners (Fusion Processing Limited, Alexander Dennis, Napier University and The University of the West of England) remain committed to exploring new opportunities for self-driving technology in other areas across the UK, ensuring that this exciting innovation can play a transformative role in future transport networks.
“We sincerely thank everyone who supported and participated in this journey.”