First Driverless Bus Launched in Spain

The first driverless buses in Spain have taken to the roads in the Technology Park of San Sebastian.

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The small, ten-seat shuttle bus is operating a pilot scheme in the park and will be running under test conditions and at a maximum speed of 12 kilometres per hour for the next three months.

The trial has been running in six other cities across Europe, including in Trikala in Greece, where it has been running for six months and carried 11,302 passengers over a total of 3500 kilometres. Significantly, during the Greek test, the bus has never been involved in a road traffic incident, other than once riding onto the pavement, although safety devices operated preventing the bus from moving further.

The first bus in Spain took to its route this week carrying a variety of dignitaries, photographers and journalists on its inaugural journey.

The cabins, which rest on four wheels, give a sense of strength and stability, and are equipped with high-precision technologies and safety systems to ensure safe driving in the environment. The three units are connected to a control centre which monitors the vehicles through WiFi, allowing real time itineraries and updates.

The bus is free to use and will run over its two kilometre route in the technology park, with 10 stop-off points, from Monday to Friday from 07:30 to 19:30 continuously. The aim is to connect the businesses in the technology park and to facilitate easier mobility, whilst operating efficiently and protecting environmental resources. In order for the test service to operate, 160 car parking spaces have been removed from the site.