Deni Krevesic: Autonomous Buses: Unveiling The Era Of "AutoBus"

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For over a decade, Deni Krevesic has been in the transport planning industry. He might jokingly claim 30 years' experience, starting with his childhood fascination for buses and trains, sparking a lifelong curiosity about the movement of people and opening the door of transport planning. Today, as a Principal Consultant with Transport Planning team at Glanville, Deni dedicates himself to providing the optimal transport solutions for both private and public sector clients. He is a Chartered Transport Planning Professional and a Fellow member of the Chartered Institute of Highways and Transportation (CIHT).

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The UK is at the forefront of autonomous buses

The UK has emerged as a pioneer in autonomous mobility and has recently witnessed significant milestones. The world's first autonomous electric bus service for public use on private roads was launched in Didcot, Oxfordshire in early 2023. A few months later, Edinburgh introduced autonomous bus services into regular operations on its public roads. Both services operate at Level 4 – high automation, signifying the capability to perform all driving tasks with some restrictions, and the option for the driver to regain control if needed.

AutoBus: the name we will all be using?

The term ‘Autobus’ is gaining prominence as the go-to phrase for autonomous bus. Although it has long been a common term for any form of bus in both Italian and French, the word is being increasingly adopted into the English language as a succinct and innovative label for technologically advanced buses.

Showcasing AutoBus in Action

Two noteworthy projects exemplify the practical implementation of driverless technology. The Mi-Link was first introduced at Milton Park in Didcot, Oxfordshire in March 2023. Building on the initial success, the trial was extended in September to include a public road connecting Milton Park with Didcot Parkway railway station. AB1 Service was launched in May 2023, covering a 22.5-kilometre route in Edinburgh. These full-size autonomous buses safely travel in mixed traffic and interact with other vehicles at a maximum speed of 50mph.

AutoBus: Addressing Challenges Head-On

AutoBus develops as a potential solution to the challenges encountered by local authorities and bus operators. Enhancing mobility and accessibility, it offers convenience for individuals who prefer not to or cannot drive. This will address the challenges of poorly connected areas with public transport and ensure inclusion and sustainable economic growth. By potentially reducing the number of cars on the road, AutoBuses could relieve busy highway networks, reduce accidents, and minimise pollution. Furthermore, they can improve safety and reliability by eliminating human errors.

Bus companies are focused on reducing costs and maximising fleet utilisation. In a climate where the shortage of bus and coach drivers increased by 54% in 2023, making recruitment challenging and expensive, AutoBuses could present a viable alternative. A chronic shortage is expected to double in five years, and the adoption of autonomous technology could significantly reduce costs associated with drivers and energy consumption. AutoBuses have the potential to be more cost-effective than conventional buses, lowering operational costs in the long run.

Steering Towards Acceptance: AutoBus Solutions

As the era of self-driving vehicles gains momentum, concerns regarding legal accountability, data privacy, and vulnerability to hacking come to the forefront. AutoBus addresses these concerns through advanced features. Employing multiple sensors and cameras for real-time monitoring and obstacle detection, redundant systems ensure service reliability. Secure, encrypted communication, coupled with human supervision, enhances safety and counters cyber threats.

AutoBus prioritises accessibility with features like ramps, wheelchair spaces, and multilingual interfaces. Flexible fares and routes promote inclusivity and equal access. By intelligently addressing challenges and prioritising safety and accessibility, AutoBus solutions hold the promise of reshaping our perception of self-driving vehicles.

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