This is the first time a regular-sized bus has been used in driverless trials in Europe
The Spanish city of Málaga has launched an autonomous electric bus service – the first project of its kind in Europe.
Looping around an eight-kilometre stretch of the city six times a day, the 60-seater bus is equipped with sensors and cameras that use artificial intelligence to improve its decisions based on data recorded along the route.
There is a driver at the wheel to take control if necessary, as Spanish law does not currently allow vehicles to operate without one.
A handful of European cities, including Copenhagen and Hamburg, have run trials involving eight-seater driverless electric shuttles, but this is the first time a regular-sized bus has been used.
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The autonomous buses deployed in the trial were developed by ST Engineering, while the mapping programme used to guide the vehicles was built by GPS Lands. Public transport companies SBS Transit and SMRT will operate the service routes in Jurong Island and Science Park 2, respectively.
The AfA said in statement Monday that the pilot was expected to end April 30 and it would assess the findings before deciding on the next steps. In order to gain more data and insights that will be valuable to the development of future urban mobility services, the two routes differ in physical conditions, commuter and partner mix, service and vehicle type, as well as operation concepts, it added.
The New Paper
Commuters can ride driverless buses in two areas for a fee in trial
The driverless buses will run in Science Park 2 and on Jurong Island. A driver will stay at the wheel in case of emergencies. TNP PHOTO: TIMOTHY DAVID
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Commuters can now take driverless buses in two areas of Singapore for a small fee, in the first such trial since the Republic began experimenting with autonomous vehicles on the roads in 2015.
The new services, headed by ST Engineering, are operated by SMRT and SBS Transit, the two largest bus operators here.
They will run in Singapore Science Park 2 near Haw Par Villa and on Jurong Island, with a round trip costing 40 cents and $2 respectively.