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Ask 10 coach and bus professionals what they think about autonomy in the industry. You’ll likely get 10 different answers, but given the variety of what has been suggested about it by those in the know, that’s no surprise.
Autonomy in large bus depots is fully understandable. It will reduce damage and costs and improve efficiency.
Outside of that scenario, the benefits are difficult to fathom. No doubt, before too much longer, coaches and buses will theoretically be able to drive themselves.
That technology will not develop to that level is beyond question. Whether they will actually ever need to be able to do so is another matter.
Autonomous vehicles could be more efficient than those handled by drivers with less than excellent abilities. But is there really a point? A member of staff would be required even on self-driving coaches and buses, although recruiting them may be easier than it is currently.
But a by-product of the rush to automation is the development of innovative technologies that deliver benefits to with-driver applications.
Getting staff to accept these will be the tough bit, as has been seen with emergency braking and lane departure warning systems. Contrary to what some think, these additions do not affront their professionalism and, realistically, nor will they contribute to the eventual abolition of their jobs.
Technology on vehicles is a good thing. As an operator, you should encourage your drivers to accept it – because it isn’t going away.
