While on holiday in Scotland, I took the opportunity to try out the UK's first autonomous bus. I am not sure what I was expecting, but it was remarkably uneventful. I imagined some kind of special bus or to feel scared at being driven by the bus, neither of which were true. The bus was based on the standard single decker with some additional sensors and computers to make it drive. The hand over and style of driving was seamless, and if I hadn't been told that we had switched, I wouldn't have known.
While initially disappointed, I realise that this is the best experience I could have, one I was used to and provided a safe experience. As part of the blind community, we have many different perspectives to sighted people, the improvement in autonomous transport is exciting and could provide newfound freedom. However, I and many others are fearful that the technology will lead to less human interaction and support. For the near future there is a commitment to have staff on buses and long may that continue to ensure access for people with disabilities.
The route takes about 30 minutes each way and consists of the bus starting with the driver and then the autonomous driving being engaged. The bus will then drive itself, merging in with traffic on multi lane roads. Once the bus gets to the Forth Road bridge, the driver takes over for the final few minutes.
https://www.timdixon.net/blog/2023/09/first-autonomous-bus-in-the-uk/
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