Lone-Driving Bus Still Demands Wheelsman
An Autonomous Bus: Navigating the Road - Almost Solo
In Rackwitz, a quaint town near Leipzig, an innovative form of public transportation has emerged - an autonomous bus. Although a driver sits behind the wheel, this self-driving vehicle relies on advanced technology for navigation.
Tim Alscher, the temporary driver, grins as he settles into the cockpit of the high-tech bus. The steering wheel turns autonomously, while the gas and brake are automatically controlled. The turn signals flicker on as if by magic. Alscher explains that his role is merely to monitor the system, initiating the bus's journey with a single button press. The only input passengers need to provide is to press the door buttons.
Despite the machinery surrounding him, Alscher feels no apprehension. "I trust the system completely," he assures, as long as he remains vigilant and avoids daydreaming. The system continually improves, allowing Alscher to relax as he drives.
However, Alscher is not merely an observer. He has even obtained a bus driver's license to ensure he can intervene in case of emergency. Alscher reassures, "It's not a ghost bus. I'm always here."
Built as part of the Flash project, the autonomous bus aims to provide continuous transportation in rural areas without idle buses crisscrossing empty routes. The vehicle follows a 10-kilometer route from Rackwitz station to the Schladitzer See, a popular swimming area. Christian Hoyers, the district administrator of Nordsachsen and one of the project initiators, explicates that the bus can reach speeds of up to 60 km/h, a considerable pace for an autonomous vehicle. Moreover, the system offers unfailing reliability, having proven to be robust in daily operations.
Politicians have embraced the autonomous bus trend. Regina Kraushaar, Saxon State Minister, proclaims, "This is the new generation of public transport. While there's still a driver on board for the time being, that won't always be necessary." As technology advances and the burgeoning driver shortage intensifies, autonomous buses could become a vital solution.
Safety remains paramount, Hoyers stresses, despite the impressive technology. "Our system is designed to be as safe as a conventional public bus," he insists. Only once the technology outperforms human drivers will autonomous buses operate without human intervention.
Although the ride is slightly disconcerting initially, Alscher finds it enjoyable once accustomed to the sensation. "It's a bit strange at first when the steering wheel turns by itself," Alscher admits. "But you get used to it, and then it's actually fun."
The autonomous bus runs on Thursdays to Sundays from 10:00 to 18:00, every hour. Passengers can ride the bus with a valid public transport ticket, hopping on and off at usual stops. The timetable is publicly accessible, inviting anyone curious to experience the technology for themselves.
The autonomous bus, being part of the Flash project, is designed to revolutionize public transportation in rural areas, surpassing conventional buses by following predefined routes and relying on advanced technology for navigation. Alscher, who holds a bus driver's license for emergency situations, expresses that the technology used in the bus could potentially make human drivers obsolete in the future, as autonomous vehicles could eventually outperform human drivers in terms of safety and reliability. As the technology advances, autonomous buses could become crucial in addressing the increasing driver shortage and provide a cost-efficient solution for the transportation industry, particularly in the realm of public transit.
