Successful Driverless Bus Tests Could Help Pave the Way for Self-Driving Cars

Jennifer van der Kleut

Driverless cars may still be a few years away, but one advancement appears to be paving the way for them—automated buses.

Several companies have reported successful tests of mostly-autonomous buses over the past couple of months, and the progress has industry analysts optimistic for the future of cars.

One of the most promising projects is that of CityMobil2, which has been testing driverless buses, shuttles and “cybercars” in several cities across Europe in the last year, including Rome and Torre Grande in Italy, and La Rochelle in France.

The company is partnering with several other companies such as French-based EasyMile and Robosoft, and the Netherlands’ 2getthere.

CityMobil is simultaneously working on a socio-economic study of the benefits of automated public transit, and launching public awareness campaigns in the areas where it is performing its tests.

One of the most eyebrow-raising tests that has been performed lately is that of China’s Yutong Bus Company, which posted footage of its self-driving bus traveling an impressive 20 miles along a busy Beijing highway with no driver interference.

The trip included passing through 26 traffic lights and even changing lanes with no assistance and no problems, representatives reported. The bus hit a top speed of 68 km per hour.

In Northern California, driverless passenger buses are coming to a Bay Area business park. The EZ10 bus—also manufactured by French company EasyMile, which works with CityMobil—will transport workers around an expansive office park in San Ramon.

The test will hopefully ease Americans into acceptance of autonomous vehicle technology as it travels along pre-set routes at low speeds, representatives say.

Elsewhere in Europe, autonomous buses are coming to Switzerland next year, news outlets are reporting. Swiss startup BestMile plans to test its automated transit system in the French-speaking city of Sion in southern Switzerland.

The company says its proprietary software will allow BestMile employees to remotely operate and monitor a fleet of buses.

The electric buses reportedly hold nine passengers each. The company says public tests will begin in the spring of 2016 and last two years.

Two other countries enthusiastically hopping on the driverless bandwagon are Australia and Greece.

In Greece, CityMobil 2 buses have already begun public tests in the town of Trikala, and are expected to last through February.

In Sydney, Australia, where underground trains are more the norm, the company Alstom has already delivered its first driverless train prototype, and commuters are being allowed to test-ride it at the Showground station in Sydney Metro Northwest. Those who test it will be invited to give feedback before final designs are decided upon.

All of this is music to the ears of those who anxiously await the advent of driverless transportation. If these and other public tests go well, industry professionals hope this will help shift the tide of public opinion of autonomous transportation technology.