Autonomy still 5-10 years away; manufacturers say departure from diesel fuel is priority
Manufacturers have revealed their goals for the future of coaches and buses.
The transition away from diesel takes precedence and will likely not come as a surprise to operators.
“The onus is on manufacturers to come up with safe, clean and appealing buses as we try and get people back on the bus,” declares President and Managing Director of Alexander Dennis (ADL) Paul Davies. “The UK challenge is nothing new, but we need to reach new levels of flexibility as we try to encourage passengers back.”
The sentiment is echoed by Volvo Buses, Yutong and the Bamford Bus Company, but arguments on the right path vary.
CEO at Bamford Bus Company and Ryse Hydrogen Buta Atwal says it is incumbent for manufacturers to develop hydrogen fuel cell-electric and battery-electric technology, but that ultimately “the customer will decide the route forward.” Manufacturers must therefore be in the position to deliver both solutions. To that end, he says funding from government needs to evolve forward to allow this.
There is also a growing focus on improving driver aids and safety features.
Autonomy could be 5-10 years away or more, according to each manufacturer. While trials of autonomous vehicles have made some headway, Head of Yutong Bus UK Ian Downie argues autonomy must progress alongside infrastructure and road traffic systems in order to be effective, and manufacturers are looking at small steps rather than a sudden move to autonomy.
“All the industry is working on autonomous vehicles in depots and on the road,” Mr Downie says. “It’s not about the end game – it’s about baby steps and introductions, such as better radar warnings, 360 degree cameras, with the aim ultimately being a fully-autonomous vehicle with zero collisions.”
Mr Atwal agrees that autonomy will go hand in hand with city centre and bus structure, ensuring singular lanes are available in and out of metropolitan cities. But there is perhaps not the same will from city planners to make this a reality. “That plan I haven’t seen yet for more autonomous buses into city centres,” he says. “Metropolitan cities have to have a clear plan on how to integrate buses in that way – it takes more than just an operator coming up with an autonomous vehicle. The technology is available, but it has to be safe and credible.”
Volvo Bus UK Managing Director Nick Page adds that any move to new fuels or autonomous technology has to be a stakeholder approach. “We work under a lot of restrictions; there’s commerciality to consider. This is total integrated modal transport and that type of thing comes together with all stakeholders involved.”
