Year extension for city's driverless bus scheme

Driverless buses operating along a 1.3km stretch of public streets in the Confluence quartier of Lyon have proved so successful that the service is set to be extended for another year.

As reported, the scheme in the southeastern city was the first long-term daily service of driverless electric buses anywhere in the world - although buses made by the same company that built the ones operating in Lyon have already been tested in Sion, Switzerland, and Perth, Western Australia; and driverless taxis are in use in Singapore.

The buses, which cost €200,000 each, are limited to a maximum speed of 20kph, and a bristling with sensors - including cameras, laser sensors and GPS - to ensure they avoid collisions.

A 14-month trial launched in September 2016 had been due to finish in December, but - after safely transporting more than 22,000 passengers, and extending its service from five to six days a week - Keolis, the company behind the scheme has pledged to continue the scheme for another year, and city authorities are expected to support the idea.

It has also attracted international interest. Of the 70 delegations that have visited the city to see the shuttle in action, nearly three-quarters have come from other countries. Meanwhile, a similar scheme has been operating along the Esplanade de la Défense in Paris since June.