Milton Keynes will soon see the trial of an automated self-driving bus, which will operate at multiple stops and carriageways throughout November as part of a Europe-wide research project.
This trial follows similar tests conducted in the Czech Republic in 2023 and various other European cities in 2022.
In Milton Keynes, the self-driving bus will transport up to 15 passengers between Unity Place, Centre
, the Theatre District, and Station Square. The vehicle will be monitored by a research team from University College London, who will gather passenger feedback to improve the service.The buses utilize lidar sensors and cameras to navigate, with an operator on board ready to take control if needed. The electric vehicle will be operated by UK-based transport technology specialist Aurrigo.
Milton Keynes city councillor Jennifer Wilson-Marklew stated, "This important research into self-driving vehicles on public roads is creating a template for cities around the world to follow."
The research project will also test a new autonomous delivery shuttle at Stadium MK. This vehicle, roughly the size of a small car, will handle deliveries around the stadium site over a two-week period. It can interact with an external ordering system to fulfill orders autonomously.
Last year, Milton Keynes hosted a trial of driverless cars on public roads, marking another step in the city's commitment to exploring autonomous vehicle technology.
Source: bbc