Dutch public transport has taken a step into the future with Qbuzz. For the first time in the Netherlands, a bus that can drive itself will take to the streets of Groningen. 

Qbuzz self-driving bus in Groningen

As the first of its kind in the world, autonomous technology is installed into an existing 12-metre-long Qbuzz bus that allows it to drive without a person at the wheel. The technology from Dutch company roboTUNER is open source which means any public transport company can make use of it, making it different to the newly-built self-driving buses in other countries.

The Qbuzz self-driving bus was first seen in September at InnoTrans, a European trade fair for transport innovation in Berlin. From October, the bus will be tested extensively on Dutch roads and is later expected to drive on the bus lane on the Peizerweg in Groningen. There will also be a demonstration at the Qbuzz bus depot in November so that people living and working in the Netherlands can see how the futuristic vehicle works.

Video: YouTube / COLUMBUSS

Self-driving public transport offers solutions to global problems

Public transport that does not need a human driver offers a possible solution to financial and operational problems worldwide. High operation costs and worker shortages would be eased.

The self-driving buses would not replace bus drivers but supplement them and create the opportunity for new services and routes. As the vehicles can drive independently on simple routes, human drivers can be deployed on other routes more efficiently and relieve some of the strain on the limited number of staff.