The UK’s first full-sized bus with driverless technology is being trialled by one of the country’s biggest transport firms.
Stagecoach said the vehicle will use autonomous functions to move around a depot in Manchester.
The trial paves the way for future public transport services to test their driverless technology, before eventually launching public services on the UK’s roads.
The system uses multiple sensors such as radar, optical cameras and ultrasound to plan a path for the vehicle while detecting and avoiding objects.
It is hoped this could provide future benefits during passenger journeys, such as providing a warning when a cyclist or pedestrian may be in a blind spot.
Existing rules mean a driver must remain on board the bus at all times during the trial, although the UK is in the process of updating its regulations.
The software will form the basis of another pilot scheme next year involving five autonomous buses transporting passengers between Edinburgh and Fife across the Forth Road Bridge Corridor.
Business secretary, Greg Clark, said the driverless projects would ensure the UK builds on its strengths in innovation.
Autonomous vehicles and their technology will not only revolutionise how we travel, it will open up and improve transport services for those who struggle to access both private and public transport,’ he said last year.
‘The UK is building on its automotive heritage and strengths to develop the new vehicles and technologies and from 2021 the public will get to experience the future for themselves.’
Taxi firms Addison Lee and Jaguar Land Rover will lead two separate trials of driverless taxis in London before launching public services, again by 2021.
Stagecoach chief executive Martin Griffiths said: ‘Stagecoach was the original transport disruptor, trying new things and breaking new ground, and that has never changed.
‘This is an exciting project to trial autonomous technology on a full-sized bus for the first time in the UK.
‘Our employees are the beating heart of our business and I believe that will remain the case, but the world is changing fast, particularly where new technology is involved.’
The UK market for connected and autonomous vehicles is forecast to be worth up to £52bn by 2035.
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