CAVForth: Scotland's Autonomous Bus Revolution

In a significant leap forward for public transportation, Scotland has become the stage for one of the world's most ambitious autonomous bus trials. The CAVForth project, officially launched on May 15th, 2023, introduces a fleet of five Alexander Dennis Enviro200AV autonomous buses operating a scheduled passenger service across the iconic Forth Road Bridge. This groundbreaking initiative, led by Fusion Processing Ltd in collaboration with industry leaders and academic institutions, promises to reshape the future of mobility.

The CAVForth Project: A World-First Initiative

The CAVForth project is a testament to innovation and collaboration, aiming to demonstrate the capabilities of autonomous vehicle technology in a real-world public transport setting. The project is a joint effort involving Stagecoach, Transport Scotland, Alexander Dennis, Edinburgh Napier University, and Bristol Robotics Laboratory, with co-funding from the UK Government's Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles. This ambitious trial is designed to push the boundaries of what's currently permissible on public roads, operating at SAE Level 4 autonomy.

Meet the Autonomous Fleet: Alexander Dennis Enviro200AV

At the heart of the CAVForth service are the Alexander Dennis Enviro200AV buses. These vehicles are derived from the highly successful Enviro200 single-decker bus, a platform with over 8,000 units already in operation across the UK. This familiar and proven base provides a robust foundation for the development and integration of advanced autonomous driving capabilities. The Enviro200AV buses are not only equipped with cutting-edge autonomous technology but also utilise the same low-emission driveline as their conventional counterparts, ensuring a commitment to environmental responsibility.

The Technology Behind the Drive: CAVStar

Powering the CAVForth buses is Fusion Processing's sophisticated autonomous drive system, CAVStar. This system integrates data from a comprehensive suite of state-of-the-art sensors, including cameras, LiDAR, and radar. Coupled with advanced artificial intelligence processing, CAVStar delivers optimal efficiency and safety throughout the journey, regardless of traffic conditions. A key feature of the system is its ability to receive direct information from traffic light systems, allowing the bus to proactively adjust its speed for smoother, more efficient travel, minimising unnecessary braking and acceleration. This intelligent driving not only enhances passenger comfort but also contributes to reduced wear on critical components like brakes and tyres, leading to lower particulate emissions.

The Route: A Challenging Yet Rewarding Journey

The CAVForth buses operate on Stagecoach's new AB1 route, a 14-mile journey that connects Ferrytoll Park & Ride in Fife with Edinburgh Park interchange. This route is particularly noteworthy as it crosses the Forth Road Bridge and encompasses a variety of complex traffic scenarios. These include A-roads, motorways, bus lanes, and private land, requiring the autonomous system to navigate roundabouts, traffic lights, and 'weaving' motorway lane changes. The buses are capable of travelling in mixed traffic at speeds of up to 50mph, showcasing their ability to operate seamlessly within existing road infrastructure. The AB1 service provides a vital new direct public transport link, with the capacity to carry up to 10,000 passengers per week.

Safety and Human Interaction: A Balanced Approach

While the CAVForth buses operate at SAE Level 4 autonomy, a crucial aspect of the current trial is the presence of human staff. To comply with legislation for testing autonomous vehicles, a safety driver is always present at the wheel. Additionally, a second member of staff, referred to as a 'bus captain', is on board to engage with passengers, answer questions, and assist with boarding. This dual staffing model serves multiple purposes: it ensures compliance with regulations, enhances passenger confidence and experience, and provides valuable insights into how future autonomous services might operate with a single human 'captain' able to leave the cab while the computer handles the driving. This approach also allows for a more human-centric customer service, addressing concerns about trust and interaction with autonomous technology.

Expert Insights and Future Potential

The launch of CAVForth has been met with enthusiasm from all involved parties. Paul Davies, President & Managing Director of Alexander Dennis, highlighted the expertise of his engineering team, stating, "Our participation in this exciting project is testament to the great expertise of our engineering team, who continue to lead technology development for tomorrow’s mobility, and the technology leadership of British bus manufacturing." Ray O’Toole, Executive Chairman for Stagecoach, emphasised the significance of the milestone: "This is an incredibly exciting time, and we are delighted to see the hard work of all partners involved, pay off on the official launch... We are proud to be at the forefront of transport innovation with this project, marking a significant milestone for public transport."

Jim Hutchinson, CEO of Fusion Processing, underscored the global importance of the trial: "CAVForth is an exciting showcase of how our CAVstar® Automated Drive System can safely operate in a very complex driving environment. This pilot is globally significant and marks a step change in the operation of autonomous commercial vehicles on public roads."

Addressing Public Perception and Future Development

Research conducted by Edinburgh Napier University has shed light on public perceptions of autonomous vehicles, identifying key themes such as trust, safety, customer experience, and value. The findings suggest that opinions about autonomous technologies significantly improve with exposure. The project aims to foster this exposure, with the 'smiley face' logo on the buses intended to make the technology more approachable. The presence of a human 'captain' further bolsters passenger comfort and trust. As Professor Nick Antonopoulos of Edinburgh Napier University noted, "Automation offers an opportunity to transform the ways we get around in years to come, while improving safety and reducing energy consumption."

A Look Ahead: CAVForth2 and Beyond

The CAVForth project is not a one-off trial; it is paving the way for future developments. A follow-on project, CAVForth2, is planned to extend the route to Dunfermline city centre in 2024 and will introduce an Alexander Dennis Enviro100AEV autonomous electric bus to the fleet. The operation of the AB1 route is supported by the Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles until 2025, after which patronage will be reviewed to determine the feasibility of a commercial service. The autonomous vehicle technology developed through CAVForth is designed to be transferable to different bus models, highlighting the broader impact of this pioneering work.

Environmental Benefits and Regulatory Considerations

The smooth, efficient driving style facilitated by autonomous technology offers significant environmental benefits. By reducing unnecessary braking and acceleration, the system minimises wear on brakes and tyres, leading to a direct reduction in particulate emissions. These emissions, often overlooked, are expected to be included in upcoming EU emissions regulations like the Euro VII standard. This highlights how autonomous driving in public transport can play a crucial role in improving air quality, particularly in urban environments.

Key Takeaways from the CAVForth Trial:

Frequently Asked Questions:

• Who makes the CAVForth buses? The buses are manufactured by Alexander Dennis, a subsidiary of NFI Group Inc.
• Is CAVForth a driverless bus? The buses are classified as autonomous (SAE Level 4), meaning they can operate without human intervention. However, current UK law requires a safety driver to be present at all times during the trial. A second staff member acts as a 'bus captain' for customer service.
• What technology allows the buses to drive themselves? The buses use Fusion Processing's CAVStar system, which employs a sophisticated array of sensors (cameras, LiDAR, radar) and artificial intelligence to navigate and control the vehicle.
• What are the benefits of autonomous buses like CAVForth? Benefits include improved safety by reducing human error, increased operational efficiency, potential cost savings on fuel and maintenance, and reduced environmental impact through smoother driving.
• Will Scotland be at the forefront of CAV technology? The CAVForth project positions Scotland as a leader in the development and deployment of Connected and Autonomous Vehicle (CAV) technology, with the Scottish Government actively supporting such innovative initiatives.

The CAVForth project represents a significant stride towards the integration of autonomous vehicles into our daily lives. By successfully demonstrating these advanced technologies on public roads, Scotland is not only showcasing its commitment to innovation but also laying the groundwork for a more efficient, sustainable, and potentially safer future for public transportation.