Mike Dawson , People and Digital Transformation Director at Belfast Harbour said “this is the future of transportation”.
“Autonomy is going to play a key role in supporting current public infrastructure and the Harlander is a key part of that. How do we get people out of their cars, connecting to existing public transport networks and solve that last mile connectivity equation that commercially doesn’t work today?” he said.
“It is the future and it is coming fast.”
Mr Dawson said it’s “fully understandable” people would be nervous.
“New technology always brings challenges. But it’s a free service, we have a safety operator on board the entire time, making sure that if they need to intervene they can intervene but always make sure your journey is as secure and comfortable the whole way.”
Eight weeks of testing at the harbour took place ahead of the opening to the public.
The service is free and will run until late September 2025.