Transport outwith Moray: Driverless bus to operate in Inverness

This driverless bus is set to begin carrying passengers back and forth along a two-mile route in Inverness.

The service will carry up to 15 people at a time between the Highland campus in Inverness and the retail park off the A96.

It will run from 10am-4.20pm, Mondays to Saturdays, along a back route which has been restricted to just public transport, walking, and cycling.

Passengers will also be able to board for free during the first six weeks, after which a nominal fee will apply until the trial ends in March next year.

Uisdean Robertson, chairman of HiTrans, said: "We are delighted to be piloting this pioneering project as we are committed to encouraging multi-modal travel and reducing dependency on private car use.

"We have been able to lead on this project by attracting European funding – and we hope the lessons learned from the pilot will help shape the future roll out of AV (autonomous vehicle) not only here but across Europe."

HiTrans is exploring funding opportunities to keep the pilot running at Inverness Campus beyond next March, involving different routes.

It is also looking to offer demand-responsive options so the bus can be booked ahead and used in the evening

Longer term, HiTrans hopes to trial the technology in other locations across the north of Scotland.

Professor Chris O’Neil, the principal and chief executive of UHI Inverness, said: "We have an ongoing commitment to sustainable travel for our students and staff and we were recognised earlier this year as a Cycling Friendly Campus.

"The automated bus complements our ethos, and we are pleased that our main campus will be served by the first service of this kind in Scotland."

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