Volvo Buses has teamed up with Swedish public transport operators VL and Svealandstrafiken to introduce an innovative self-driving support system aimed at revolutionizing the future of bus transport.
As part of the eBRT2030 project, this groundbreaking technology is expected to enhance driver safety, improve operational efficiency, and reduce environmental impact, with a focus on sustainable and commercial autonomous solutions for both buses and cars on the road.
The partnership is set to kick off trials in Vasteras, Sweden, where the new Volvo 7900 electric bus will undergo testing in real-world conditions.
The goal is to evaluate how the self-driving system can improve the overall driving experience and help achieve Volvo’s ambitious sustainability targets.
A Vision for the Future of Public Transport
The self-driving technology aims to add a new layer of support for bus drivers, reducing the stress associated with the monotonous tasks they currently face.
According to Joakim Jonsson, lead project manager at Volvo Buses, although fully autonomous buses without safety drivers are still a vision for the future, this innovative technology can provide immediate value.
It can help alleviate the repetitive and physically demanding tasks of bus drivers while improving the comfort and safety of passengers.
“Our goal is to minimize the monotonous tasks that drivers have to perform, improving their working environment,” Jonsson said in an interview.
“This new technology will also reduce wear and tear on the buses, make travel more comfortable for passengers, and increase overall road safety.”
The system is designed to relieve the driver of certain duties, such as parking and navigating bus stops, allowing them to focus more on the road and the surrounding traffic.
By ensuring the bus consistently stops in the same position, whether at the curb or a platform, the technology aims to reduce the physical exertion for the driver and enhance their ability to monitor traffic or respond to incidents while behind the wheel.
Enhancing Passenger Safety and Comfort
Passenger safety and comfort are central to the development of the self-driving support system. With the help of autonomous technology, buses will be able to park with greater precision, reducing the risk of accidents or damage during bus stop maneuvers.
This increased consistency in stopping positions will also lead to a smoother experience for passengers, particularly those with mobility challenges.
Additionally, the system’s capacity to monitor and adapt to driving patterns will ensure that buses operate in an energy-efficient manner, which can help reduce their environmental footprint.
This is a key concern for Volvo, as the company has been at the forefront of developing sustainable solutions for the public transport sector.
Geert Schaap, technology and innovation head at Svealandstrafiken, believes that the self-driving support system offers significant advantages for bus drivers and operators alike.
“We believe that this technology will not only make the lives of drivers easier but will also benefit us as operators by reducing costs and encouraging further innovation,” Schaap stated.
“One of the most notable benefits is the potential to reduce wear and damage to the tyres, which directly translates into cost savings and a lower environmental impact.”
A Cost-Effective and Efficient Solution
In addition to improving driver and passenger experiences, Volvo’s self-driving support system is expected to bring substantial cost savings to operators.
The technology will help reduce the wear on key components of the bus, such as tyres, which can significantly lower maintenance costs over time.
This aligns with the broader goals of reducing the environmental impact of transport while making operations more efficient.
Schaap also highlighted the potential for the technology to be used in other areas beyond driving. “We have identified several other potential applications for this technology,” he said.
“For example, having buses drive autonomously to the wash bay or charging stations in the depot could greatly increase efficiency, ensuring that buses are always ready for service and that downtime is minimized.”
By reducing the need for manual interventions, such as driving to the charging station or washing bay, the technology promises to streamline operations and reduce the environmental footprint associated with these activities.
Collaboration with Chalmers University
The success of the trial will be closely monitored through a scientific study conducted in collaboration with Chalmers University of Technology, a leading research institution in Sweden.
This study will assess the experiences of both bus drivers and passengers during the trial period, providing valuable insights into the effectiveness and potential improvements of the self-driving support system.
The six-month trial is set to begin in the spring of this year, with the technology being tested in various real-world scenarios to evaluate its impact on driver workload, passenger comfort, and overall operational efficiency.
The trial will also assess how the system adapts to different driving conditions, road types, and urban environments.
Volvo’s ambitious vision for the future of public transport is one that blends autonomous technology with sustainability.
The company has already made strides in this direction, having introduced electric buses and other sustainable transportation solutions to the market.
The success of this self-driving support system trial could pave the way for broader adoption of autonomous buses, contributing to a cleaner, safer, and more efficient future for public transport.
Environmental Sustainability at the Forefront
Sweden’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and promoting environmental sustainability is reflected in the growing interest in electric buses and autonomous technology.
Svealandstrafiken, one of the key partners in the trial, has recently made headlines by ordering 73 electric buses from Volvo to replace older, less efficient models and expand its services.
This move is part of Sweden’s broader effort to transition to a more sustainable transport system. With electric buses and self-driving technology, the country aims to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and decrease the environmental impact of its public transport sector.
The Volvo 7900 electric bus, which will be used in the trials, is a prime example of the company’s dedication to creating environmentally friendly transportation solutions.
A Step Toward Autonomous Public Transport
The self-driving support system trial is just one of many steps that Volvo is taking toward the future of autonomous public transport.
While fully autonomous buses without safety drivers are still a long-term goal, this technology represents an important step forward in integrating automation into public transport systems.
By addressing the current limitations and challenges of autonomous driving, Volvo and its partners are paving the way for more widespread use of self-driving buses in the future.
For now, the focus is on improving the working conditions for bus drivers and enhancing the passenger experience, with the long-term aim of creating a fully autonomous, sustainable, and efficient transport system.
The collaboration between Volvo, Svealandstrafiken, and VL is just the beginning of a new era in public transportation, one that is driven by innovation, sustainability, and the pursuit of a smarter, safer, and more comfortable travel experience for everyone.
Conclusion
Volvo’s partnership with Swedish public transport operators to trial a self-driving support system marks a significant milestone in the evolution of public transport.
By leveraging autonomous technology to improve driver working conditions, enhance passenger safety, and reduce environmental impact, Volvo is shaping the future of bus transport in Sweden and beyond.
The upcoming trials in Vasteras will provide valuable data on the potential of self-driving systems to transform public transport, and could lead to wider adoption of this technology in the years to come.
As Volvo continues to push the boundaries of innovation, the self-driving support system represents just one example of how autonomous technology is set to reshape the transport industry in the future.