UK’s First Driverless Bus Service to be Discontinued

The UK’s first driverless bus service, launched in May 2023 by Stagecoach as part of Project CAVForth, will be discontinued in February 2025 due to low passenger numbers. The autonomous buses operated on a route from Ferrytoll park-and-ride in Fife to Edinburgh Park station, accommodating up to 10,000 passengers per week. Despite the trial providing crucial insights and advancing the understanding of autonomous technology, the expected adoption rate was not met. The project, part-funded by the UK Government, was developed with partners including Fusion Processing Ltd, Alexander Dennis, Edinburgh Napier University, and Bristol Robotics Laboratory. The autonomous buses, equipped with sensors for operation on pre-selected roads, operated with two staff members on board to monitor the technology and assist passengers. This trial marked a significant advancement in the operational and regulatory aspects of autonomous services, with future explorations of self-driving technology anticipated in the UK.