A “WORLD-FIRST” driverless bus service launched last year is being scrapped due to low passenger numbers.
CAVForth has operated the self-driving buses between the Ferytoll Park and Ride at Inverkeithing, in Fife, to Edinburgh Park on a Stagecoach timetable since May 2023.
The autonomous shuttle buses were partly funded by the UK Government's Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles and was hailed as the first of its kind in the world.
The service was estimated to cost £6.1 million and was a collaboration between Fusion Processing Limited, Alexander Dennis, Edinburgh Napier University and the University of the West of England.
The computer-driven vehicles were fitted with sensors that enabled them to run on pre-selected roads, up to 50mph, without a safety driver having to intervene.
A safety driver is used to monitor the technology even when the computer is controlling the vehicle while a bus captain is available to help passengers with buying tickets and to answer any queries they may have.
Stagecoach announced the service, which sees five buses make the 14-mile journey across the Forth Road Bridge, will end in February, stating passenger numbers “have been too low to continue”.
A Stagecoach East Scotland statement said: “We are proud to have achieved a world-first with this service, demonstrating the potential for self-driving technology on a real-world registered timetable.
“While this was a trial of cutting-edge technology and a new route linking Ferrytoll with Edinburgh Park, passenger numbers have been too low to continue.
“We sincerely thank you for your support and custom during this innovative project. It has provided a wealth of learnings that will inform the continued development of autonomous technology in the UK.”
