In the bustling city of Barcelona, commuters have had the unique opportunity to hop on a bus free of charge this week. However, there’s a futuristic twist to this offer: the bus they’re boarding has no driver at the wheel.
The autonomous mini-bus begins its journey automatically, effortlessly navigating the narrow roads and stopping when necessary, as it makes its way through one of the city’s most upscale neighborhoods. Renault, in partnership with WeRide, a company at the forefront of autonomous vehicle technology, is conducting this intriguing trial. The driverless vehicle is being tested on a 2.2-kilometer circular route that includes four stops in the center of Barcelona, allowing adventurous passengers to experience it firsthand without any fare.
First revealed during the French Open last year, the driverless bus is now being trialed on actual streets in Barcelona. Beyond Spain, Renault has launched additional testing efforts in Valence, France, and at the Zurich airport in Switzerland.
Eighteen-year-old student Pau Cugat couldn’t help but reflect on the significance of this innovation during his trial ride, as he noted the stark contrast between a traditional city bus and the futuristic vehicle he boarded.
The concept of driverless taxis and buses isn’t exclusive to Barcelona, as other global cities such as San Francisco and Tokyo are exploring similar technologies. Nevertheless, Renault’s project is a significant step for Europe, as the continent has typically lagged behind the advancements made in the United States and China, both of which are heavily invested in driverless technology.
Patrick Vergelas, in charge of Renault’s autonomous mobility projects, emphasized the importance of introducing such initiatives in Europe. “The US and China have been heavily engaged in testing autonomous vehicles. In Europe, we’re playing catch-up. This is our attempt to demonstrate its feasibility and prepare Europe for future public transportation options,” Vergelas explained.
This eco-friendly bus boasts an impressive range of 120 kilometers on a single charge and can reach speeds of up to 40 kilometers per hour (25 mph). Equipped with 10 cameras and eight lidars, this technology ensures safe navigation through the bustling city streets of Barcelona.
Carlos Santos of Renault’s autonomous division noted the varied responses from passengers. “People have shown a range of emotions—from smiles and tears to snapping photos and even attempting to open the doors,” Santos detailed, emphasizing the safety measures in place for a secure journey. The ride has been declared safe, with Barcelona officials confirming no incidents have been linked to the bus during the testing period.