A driverless bus service considered a world first has been cancelled resulting from an absence of passengers.
Stagecoach has run a fleet of self-driving buses on a 14-mile route between Fife and Edinburgh because the launch of the CAVForth challenge in Could final yr.
Nevertheless, the service, which nonetheless requires two members of workers on board, is being pulled over an absence of travellers and can come to an finish in February.
A spokesperson for CAVForth stated: “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 challenge has delivered invaluable insights, with companions working collectively to form the way forward for 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.”
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Sky’s Connor Gillies on board the driverless bus
CAVForth was a collaboration between Fusion Processing Restricted, Alexander Dennis, Edinburgh Napier College and the College of the West of England.
The challenge was part-funded by the UK authorities’s Centre for Related and Autonomous Automobiles.
The CAVForth spokesperson added: “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 companions stay dedicated to exploring new alternatives for self-driving expertise in different areas throughout the UK, making certain that this thrilling innovation can play a transformative function in future transport networks.
“We sincerely thank everyone who supported and participated in this journey.”
