The bus is called Gårda Autonom, Line 169, and runs between Polhemsplatsen and Liseberg Station. This is a test that will continue until the summer of 2027. During that time, together with Göteborgs Stad and Vy Buss, we’ll explore how a self-driving bus actually works in real-life conditions.
Why are we testing this?
We don’t believe that cars will be the easiest way to get around in and around growing cities in the future. Traffic is already congested, and it’s only going to get worse. We also have climate goals to meet, which depend on reducing the number of private cars on the roads. Self-driving technology will play an important role in the public transport systems of the future, and we want to be part of that development.
In the long term, self-driving buses could complement regular public transport, helping reduce costs, improve service, and ease the driver shortage. In practical terms, this could mean, for example, that we would be able to offer round-the-clock services, and that public transport could become more flexible with self-driving smaller vehicles, that pick up and drop off passengers closer to their destinations.
Safety driver on board – but no hands on the wheel
During the first phase of the test, there will be a safety driver in the driver’s seat. The bus will drive itself, but the driver can take control if needed. There’s also a software-based monitoring system that collects driving data and tracks what’s happening inside and outside the bus. The Swedish Transport Agency grants the test permit after detailed analyses of the vehicle, system, driving data, and risk assessments.
- Since spring 2022, a bus of the same model has been operating in Stavanger, Norway.
- The bus is being tested in a challenging traffic environment – it handles traffic lights, roundabouts, lane changes, rail crossings, and various types of road users, all at normal speeds up to 40 km/h.
- During the test period, we’ll learn about the technology, as well as the physical and digital infrastructure and much more.
Are you also thinking about the future of mobility?
Gårda Autonom is an innovation project open to collaboration and idea exchange around modern mobility. If you, like us, are curious about what the future of public transport could look like, feel free to contact us at foi@vasttrafik.se
We test together
