United KingdomTravel and aviation2023–2025Stagecoach
CAVForth autonomous bus service AB1
Stagecoach ended its autonomous AB1 bus service after passenger demand fell short
Problem
Stagecoach and its partners wanted to test autonomous buses on a registered public timetable in real operating conditions.
Approach
AB1 began in May 2023, using five autonomous buses to connect Fife and west Edinburgh across the Forth Road Bridge. Sky News reported that low passenger numbers led to the withdrawal, while the service still required two staff members aboard. The partners said passenger adoption had missed expectations but the demonstrator had delivered the expected operational and regulatory learning. Stagecoach confirmed that the trial and service ended on 14 February 2025.
Results
No published figures
Takeaway
The demonstrator produced operational learning, but demand on the route did not support continued service.
Categories
- Size
- Large enterprise
- Industry
- Travel and aviation
- Business function
- Production and qualityCustomer service
- Innovation type
- Process innovationProduct and service innovation
- AI technology
- Robotics and automation
- Adoption
- Partner co-development
- Evidence
- Press reporting
Sources
Source summaries
Sky reported withdrawal over insufficient passengers and said two staff members remained aboard. The project spokesperson said the trial had met its demonstration objectives despite disappointing demand.
Full details are in the original sources.
