Self-driving buses Volvo Sweden « Euro Weekly News

Volvo buses have partnered with Swedish public transport operators VL to trial an “innovative” self-driving support system for bus drivers, and Volvo Buses bosses are optimistic for the pioneering plans for the future of global transport.

VL and Svealandstrafiken VL will join forces with Volvo to create the revolutionary addition to a bus driver’s repertoire as part of the eBRT2030 project, to give sustainable and commercial autonomous solutions to drivers – and cars on the roads.

Trials will be expected to get underway very soon in Vasteras, in Sweden, with the swanky new Volvo 7900 electric bus being tested in real-world environments to see how it fares.

The tech will reduce driver stress and ensure passenger safety, says boss

In an interview, Volvo Buses lead project manager Joakim Jonsson said: “Although fully self-driving buses without safety drivers in public transport systems are a thing of the future, with the help of this type of new technology we can add value in a number of areas today.”

Jonsson continued: “For example, we hope to be able to minimise the monotonous tasks that drivers have to carry out, which will improve their working environment. The new technology can also help to reduce wear and damage to the buses, make travelling more comfortable for passengers, and increase road safety.”

The technology has been created with the intention to relieve driver stress, bolster passenger safety, as well as comfort, and reduce any negative impacts on the environment. It utilises the tech to navigate buses in and out of bus stops seamlessly.

Self-driving system will achieve consistent parking patterns and allow drivers to focus on road

The self-driving system will aim to map out specific bus movement patterns to ensure stopping positions are consistent, including the distance the bus stops from the pavement or a platform. This will give the driver more ability to actually focus on the road, and on nearby traffic or any important incident while behind the wheel, hopefully reducing their physical exertion, and ultimately making their – and the passengers –  lives a lot easier.

Svealandstrafiken technology and innovation head Geert Schaap said on the developments: “We believe that the self-driving support system has big advantages for bus drivers and for us as operators. And it will, of course, help to encourage more new technical developments.”

The boss said that the technology additionally “can help to reduce wear and damage to the tyres, which in turn leads to cost savings and a lower environmental impact and this is very important for society as a whole.”

“Efficient” invention will be supported by scientific trial to measure experiences, trials to start in spring

Speaking on the latest invention’s versatility, Schaap said: “We have identified several other potential applications for this type of technology. Being able to drive vehicles autonomously to the wash bay or the charging area in the bus depot, for example, will allow us to increase our efficiency.”

The trial will be supported by a scientific study conducted in collaboration with Chalmers University of Technology to assess the new experience of the drivers, and the bus passengers. The six month trial is expected to commence in spring this year.

The transport companies in Sweden are on an environmental push of late, as recently, Svealandstrafiken ordered 73 electric buses from Volvo to replace older models and expand its services, according to Swedish trade news outlet Bussmagasinet.

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