Driverless buses manufactured by the Turkish company Karsan will soon be put into operation in the Norwegian city of Stavanger, Report informs, referring to Forbes.
From April 2022, a self-driving bus with space for 50 passengers will undergo a two-year test in the city’s downtown district.
The electric bus is eight meters long and has 21 seats with standing space for many more. It’s currently being tested at Forus Business Park before the full-scale test begins on the city streets.
During the test period, there will be a safety driver onboard to monitor the situation and intervene if necessary.
Autonomous buses are a desirable option for public transit companies looking to reduce emissions and improve travel opportunities, especially in urban areas. Self-driving buses can make it financially sustainable to create new bus lines with shorter routes to and from transit hubs.
Turkish Minister of Industry and Technology Mustafa Varank called it a success of the national technology movement. On his Twitter account, the Minister said, “Another proud day of the National Technology Movement! For the first time in Europe, a pilotless bus will be integrated into the public transport system and used in urban transport.”