CAV Forth, a collaborative project to design and develop a fleet of full-size, autonomous vehicles, has been part-funded by the UK Government’s Centre for Connective and Autonomous Vehicles.
The buses will serve a new Stagecoach operated route from Ferrytoll P&R in Fife, across the Forth Road Bridge into Edinburgh Park’s transport interchange. The aim is for the autonomous vehicles to have a conductor in place of the driver, who will be on hand to help passengers with every aspect of their journey.
Hannah Leask, Programme Manager with Bus Users in Scotland, took part in the recent CAV Forth Design Jam in Edinburgh. Open to the public, the event was an opportunity to find out more about the project and explore some of the myths surrounding autonomous vehicles.
Hannah has since been invited to be part of the Co-Design Panel that will meet three times before the trial goes live. The Panel will have a direct influence over the design of the bus service and help to ensure it’s inclusive, accessible and provides a positive experience for passengers.