The first autonomous single-decker bus that produces zero carbon emissions has taken to UK roads.
Operated by First Bus, the Mi-Link 003 service carries passengers between Didcot Parkway train station and Milton Park, a science, technology and business community in Oxfordshire.
The service began operating on 07 September, using a MetroCity 1080EV, which is manufactured by Switch in Yorkshire. The 28-seater bus will run every 30 minutes from 7am-6.30pm, Monday to Saturday, until the trial’s conclusion on Saturday 30 September.
The autonomous drive capability is provided by Fusion Processing’s CAVstar automated drive system, which includes an intelligent controller and high-performance processor combined with range of sensors including radar, lidar and cameras to control steering, acceleration and braking without the need for human intervention.
READ MORE: UK’s first autonomous bus service launches in Scotland
John Birtwistle, head of policy at First Bus and leading the MultiCAV consortium delivering the service, said: “We’re leading the way in bringing a revolutionary bus travel experience to more people and delivering this with an innovative and green approach to the future of public transport.”
The initiative follows on from the all-electric Mellor Orion E minibus trial that began in June, covering more than 3,000 miles (4,828km).
The previous phase, involving a smaller bus in March, further demonstrated the potential of autonomous and electric transport – a total of more than 500 trips saved nearly 1.5 tonnes of carbon, equivalent to that produced by a typical household over three months.
Innovations and achievements in public transport will be highlighted and celebrated at the second annual CiTTi Awards on 21 November 2023 at the De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Visit www.cittiawards.co.uk to learn more about this unmissable event for the UK’s transportation sector – and to book your table today!
