Volvo Buses Tests Self-Driving Support System For Drivers

The bus fitted with the system is a Volvo 7900 Electric which will operate in normal city traffic. (Photo courtesy of Volvo Buses)

During the spring of 2025, Volvo Buses, together with the public transport companies VL and Svealandstrafiken, will be testing a new and innovative self-driving support system for bus drivers in Västerås, Sweden.

“The support system enables buses to drive independently into and out of bus stops. It is designed primarily to reduce the stress on drivers, but also to lower the environmental impact of the buses and increase safety and comfort for passengers,” according to a press release. “The system, which was developed by Volvo Buses, was implemented and partially financed within the framework of the EU eBRT2030 project and is one of several sub-projects. The aim of this project is to lay the foundations for sustainable and commercial autonomous solutions.”

“Although fully self-driving buses without safety drivers in public transport systems are a thing of the far distant future, with the help of this type of new technology we can add value in a number of areas today,” Joakim Jonsson from Volvo Buses, who is the lead manager for the project, said. “For example, we hope to be able to minimize the monotonous tasks that drivers have to carry out, which will improve their working environment. The new technology can also help to reduce wear and damage to the buses, make travelling more comfortable for passengers and increase road safety.”

Volvo Buses has previously carried out successful tests of the system with drivers in a test environment, but now they plan to investigate how the technology works in a real public transport system. The bus fitted with the system is a Volvo 7900 Electric which will operate in normal city traffic on route 1 in Västerås.

“All drivers who will drive the test bus have had thorough training in using the system,” the release said. “Regardless of whether or not the system is activated, it is the driver who has full responsibility for the bus. The test period will last around six months. Together with the tests, a scientific study will be carried out in collaboration with Chalmers University of Technology to evaluate the experience for both drivers and passengers.”

Visit volvobuses.com.