Driverless bus service to end due to low passenger numbers
A driverless bus service, hailed as a world-first for its scale and scope, is set to cease operations in February 2025 due to low passenger adoption.
The CAVForth service, launched in May 2023, has operated full-sized, self-driving buses between Fife and Edinburgh under the Stagecoach timetable.
The project utilised five single-decker buses, which made a 14-mile journey between Ferrytoll park and ride in Fife and Edinburgh Park train and tram interchange. Despite being autonomous, the buses required two staff members on board: a safety driver to oversee operations and a bus captain to assist passengers.
Government-funded innovation
The £6.1m project was largely funded by the UK government’s £100m Intelligent Mobility Fund, with additional contributions from Transport Scotland, Stagecoach, and other industry partners. CAVForth was a collaboration involving Fusion Processing Limited, Alexander Dennis, Edinburgh Napier University, and the University of the West of England.
Equipped with advanced sensors, the buses could operate on pre-selected routes at speeds of up to 50mph. The journey included autonomous operation over the Forth Road Bridge and on sections of the M90, M8, and A720, while safety drivers took control in other areas.
Challenges in adoption
The service was designed to accommodate up to 10,000 passengers per week. However, according to the project’s backers, passenger uptake did not meet expectations, leading to the decision to end the trial.
In a statement, the company noted that while the project demonstrated the viability of autonomous buses in a real-world setting, it fell short of the public adoption needed to continue operations.
Implications for the industry
The trial offered valuable insights into the potential for integrating autonomous vehicles into public transport networks. However, it also highlighted the challenges of consumer confidence and demand in adopting such technology.
As the February 2025 closure date approaches, stakeholders in the transport and technology sectors will likely review the lessons from CAVForth as they continue to explore the future of autonomous mobility.