Full-size, self-driving buses will begin public services next month in what is believed to be a world first. Stagecoach announced the ground-breaking scheme over the Forth Road Bridge will launch on May 15.
It will cover a 14-mile route between the Ferrytoll park and ride in Fife and the Edinburgh Park train and tram interchange. Five single-decker autonomous buses will run to a frequent timetable with capacity for about 10,000 passenger journeys per week.
The vehicles have sensors enabling them to travel on pre-selected roads at up to 50mph. They will have two members of staff on board. A safety driver will sit in the driver’s seat to monitor the technology, and a so-called bus captain will help passengers with boarding, buying tickets and queries.
