Two Scania Citywide LF electric buses will operate in the Barkaby area of the Swedish capital, around 20km from the centre. Both buses will operate along a dedicated 5km route with four stops.
Initially, they will be run in autonomous mode without passengers for a distance of 1km, while second stage tests are expected to carry up to 300 commuters per day. A safety driver will remain on board to monitor operations and assist passengers.
The trials will collect data on average speeds, uptime, on-time performance, deviation response and passenger satisfaction.
Karin Rådström, head of buses and coaches at Scania, says: “The project will provide a wealth of information in the further development of large autonomous buses before a full-scale introduction.”
Scania and Nobina will manage the buses’ traffic and control systems.
Autonomous technology is already being phased into Sweden. Last month, Zenuity - a joint venture between vehicle solution manufacturer Veoneer and Volvo Cars - announced %$Linker: