By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.
Accept
routeonerouteonerouteone
  • News
    • Show all
    • Awards & Events
    • Deliveries
    • Environment
    • Exhibitor News
    • Euro Bus Expo 2024
    • Features
    • Legal
    • Minibus and minicoach
    • Operators
    • Opinion
    • People
    • Suppliers
    • Vehicles
  • Vehicles
    • Find a Vehicle
    • ZEV Comparison Tool
    • Sell a Vehicle
    • Vehicle Seller Dashboard
  • Insights
  • Careers
  • Events
    • British Tourism & Travel Show
    • Euro Bus Expo
    • Innovation Challenge
    • Livery Competition
    • routeone Awards
  • Advertise
  • Contact
    • Share your news
    • Subscribe
    • Update Subscription Details
  • Latest Issue
  • SIGN UP
Search
© 2024 routeone News. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: First Bus begins autonomous Metrocity EV trials in Didcot
Share
Font ResizerAa
routeonerouteone
Font ResizerAa
Search
  • News
    • Show all
    • Awards & Events
    • Deliveries
    • Environment
    • Exhibitor News
    • Euro Bus Expo 2024
    • Features
    • Legal
    • Minibus and minicoach
    • Operators
    • Opinion
    • People
    • Suppliers
    • Vehicles
  • Vehicles
    • Find a Vehicle
    • ZEV Comparison Tool
    • Sell a Vehicle
    • Vehicle Seller Dashboard
  • Insights
  • Careers
  • Events
    • British Tourism & Travel Show
    • Euro Bus Expo
    • Innovation Challenge
    • Livery Competition
    • routeone Awards
  • Advertise
  • Contact
    • Share your news
    • Subscribe
    • Update Subscription Details
  • Latest Issue
  • SIGN UP
Follow US
© 2024 routeone News | Powered by Diversified Business Communications UK Ltd
- Advertisement -
-
routeone > Bus > First Bus begins autonomous Metrocity EV trials in Didcot
BusNewsOperatorsTechnologyVehicles

First Bus begins autonomous Metrocity EV trials in Didcot

routeone Team
routeone Team
Published: September 11, 2023
Share
First Bus autonomous Switch Mobility Metrocity EV at Didcot Parkway
SHARE

First Bus has commenced operation of what it says is the first zero-emission full-size autonomous bus in the UK as part of an ongoing project in Didcot. It is a 10.8m Switch Mobility Metrocity EV that has been put to work on a route between Didcot Parkway railway station and the Milton Park science, technology and business campus nearby.

The bus entered service on 7 September and it will run every 30 minutes between 0700-1830hrs six days per week until the trial ends on 30 September. A safety driver is provided at all times.

The autonomous Metrocity EV builds on the use of an autonomous Mellor Orion E battery-electric minibus on the service for seven weeks from June, during which it covered over 3,000 miles. The Orion E was also used on a circular route within Milton Park in March.

First Bus Head of Policy John Birtwistle is leading the MultiCAV consortium delivering the autonomous service in Didcot. He notes that the latest phase in the work using the Metrocity EV “gives us the opportunity to show more customers the exciting possibilities afforded by combining zero-emission and digital autonomous technology to provide a smarter, cleaner and quieter way to travel.”

The autonomous drive capability is provided by Fusion Processing’s CAVstar Automated Drive System. It utilises various sensors including radar, LiDAR and cameras to control steering, acceleration and braking. Fusion is also involved in the CAVForth autonomous bus project in Scotland that for now uses diesel vehicles.

Other members of the MultiCAV consortium are Oxfordshire County Council, the University of the West of England (UWE), and Zipabout.

UWE is conducting a programme to study the experiences of passengers and safety drivers of the autonomous bus in Didcot, as well as understanding the reactions of other users of Milton Park. Those findings will form part of an assessment of how public transport networks could change if autonomous technology was adopted more widely.

Share This Article
Facebook LinkedIn Threads Email Copy Link
Previous Article Consultation into voluntary guidelines on football event travel in Scotland abandoned Plans for sporting events transport guidelines in Scotland dropped
Next Article Go Ahead donates former Luton Airport fleet to Ukraine war efforts Go-Ahead donates former Luton Airport fleet to Ukraine war efforts
- Advertisement -

Latest News

Stagecoach’s zero-emission depot in Stockton: Blueprint for the group’s transition?
News
Coaches make a major contribution to the economy – and that should be recognised
National Coach Week: A chance to make a political case
Opinion
Five destinations added to CPT Coach Friendly list during National Coach Week
Five destinations named ‘Coach Friendly’ in National Coach Week
Coach
UKCOA initiative supports the fight against terrorism
UKCOA links with security agency in fight against terrorism
Coach
- Advertisement -
-

routeone magazine is the indispensable resource for professional UK coach, bus and minibus operators. The home of vehicle sales and the latest bus and coach job vacancies, routeone connects professional PCV operators with complete and unrivalled news coverage.

  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • GDPR Policy
  • Sustainability
  • Advertise
  • Latest Issue
  • Share Your News
routeonerouteone
Follow US
© 2024 routeone News | Powered by Diversified Business Communications UK Ltd