UK to roll out first driverless bus service

UK is set to launch the world's first Driverless bus service in Scotland next week. The service will offer commute to 10,000 passengers per week across a 22.5-kilometer route in Queensferry.

Stagecoach bus service, the operator, said that the autonomous technology used in the service had been tested before, but this is the first time it has been integrated into a registered local bus service. The buses, which can travel at up to 50 miles per hour, will have a safety driver to monitor the technology as per UK law, which does not yet allow fully autonomous vehicles. In autonomous mode, the drivers do not control the vehicle, while a conductor onboard handles ticketing and passenger inquiries.

The onboard system uses artificial intelligence and can detect other road users to prevent collisions. Optical cameras and radar will scan the road for pedestrians. The system will improve safety, fuel efficiency and provide a better experience for customers, said Peter Stevens, policy director of Stagecoach bus service. The service will also collect thousands of hours of data every month.