Autonomy. It’s a word that will play a major part in the future of much of the industry, and a survey of managers shows that a surprisingly high level of thought has already gone into the effects of autonomy by some operators.
Naturally, a major perceived area of benefit it cost. Removal of the need for a driver is an attraction, but, it will not be that simple.
There is a recognition that a member of staff will need to be present whenever the vehicle is with passengers.
Whether that is to act in a security guard capacity, to help the less able on and off or to provide a reassuring face, it’s unlikely that a human presence can be dispensed with entirely.
But what effect will a removal of responsibility have on staff availability?
One respondent points out that dumbing down a driver’s job to one that mandates little in the way of entrance requirements is likely to put downward pressure on wages.
While the occupation will become more accessible, a reduction in hourly rate would make it even less attractive to those doing anything other than ‘passing through’.
Is the answer to fight autonomy? No. It’s coming. One coach manufacturer said nearly four years ago that its vehicles were almost capable of driving themselves, if the law permitted them to.
Autonomy will benefit the industry in reducing the cost of damage, fuel consumption and wear and tear. Its effect on the ease of staff recruitment and retention is much less easy to predict. Self-driving coaches and buses will mark a major change in how businesses operate. Like those who completed our survey have, the time to start thinking about it is now.
