Driverless bus faces 'unique challenges'
DRIVERLESS buses on Guernsey roads could improve the efficiency of the island's transport network and give islanders more choice, a member of the Committee for the Environment & Infrastructure has said.
Lindsay De Sausmarez was speaking after local company ShuttleBuzz Ltd said that it wanted to bring driverless buses to the island and is hoping to raise funding to enable a feasibility study to take place and later to bring a test vehicle over.
'Guernsey presents some unique challenges for this emerging technology, but it also presents some unique opportunities – assuming that the safety of passengers and all other road users can first be assured,' said Deputy De Sausmarez.
'It's also important that we also understand how any new service will impact on our existing transport services. But generally speaking, anything that improves access to efficient, affordable and convenient transport in and around the island is to be welcomed.'
The company has said that it does not see its vehicles competing with the existing bus service, but complementing it, and Deputy De Sausmarez said such a service could reduce dependency on cars and thus the pressure on the island's road infrastructure and parking spaces.
