The self-driving Mercedes Future Bus completed a 20-kilometre test run in Amsterdam last month, navigating its way safely from Schiphol airport to Haarlem.
The bus is controlled by Daimler’s City Pilot package, an adaption of its truck Highway Pilot system. Designed to navigate busy urban areas, the Future Bus can recognise traffic lights and obstacles – Including pedestrians and cyclists – open and close its doors, navigate through tunnels and cruise at up to 70 km/hour. It pulls into bus stops with amazing precision and leaves less than 10 cm between the vehicle and the curb, making it easy for passengers to hop on or off.
The vehicle is based on the Mercedes Citaro bus, currently used in cities around the world. The interior features designer seats, an open layout offering good all-round visibility through large glass surfaces, and a canopy-style roof.
Readers may be pleased to know that for extra safety, a human pilot remains in the bus at all times!
http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/all-aboard-future-bus-mercedes-road-autonomous-public-transport-1571437