The pioneering £6 million driverless bus service connecting Fife and Edinburgh has ceased operations, marking a significant setback for the UK’s autonomous transport initiatives. The decision comes merely 19 months after its highly anticipated launch, with passenger numbers falling substantially below projected targets.
The ambitious CAVForth service, launched in May 2023, represented a collaborative venture between industry leaders including Fusion Processing, Alexander Dennis, Napier University and Bristol Robotics Lab. The project, partially funded by Westminster, operated along a strategic 14-mile route crossing the Forth road bridge, designed to alleviate severe traffic congestion in one of Scotland’s busiest commuter corridors.
The investment rationale appeared sound, given approximately 80,000 vehicles utilise the adjacent Queensferry crossing daily. The five-bus fleet possessed the capacity to transport 10,000 passengers weekly, though operational requirements mandated two crew members per vehicle for safety protocols.
The timing of this closure raises questions about Scotland’s broader transport strategy, particularly considering the government’s ambitious target to reduce car usage by 20% before 2030. Current projections from Transform Scotland paint a concerning picture, suggesting annual car travel will increase from 34 billion kilometres to over 40 billion kilometres by the target date.
Stagecoach, the primary operator, maintains an optimistic stance despite the project’s premature conclusion. The company emphasises the trial’s contribution to understanding operational and regulatory frameworks for autonomous services, positioning the experience as a valuable learning opportunity rather than a definitive failure.
The project’s termination occurs against a backdrop of evolving public transport dynamics in Scotland, where free bus passes for under-22s and over-60s have boosted general bus usage, albeit not reaching pre-pandemic levels. This development may prompt investors and transport authorities to reassess the viability of autonomous vehicle projects in urban transport solutions.
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