Madrid Debuts Friendly Driverless Electric Bus

Quick Smiles:

• Madrid’s park welcomes a colorful driverless electric bus, ready for public use after five years of trials.
• This autonomous bus aims to help with driver shortages while ensuring safety and efficiency during peak hours.
• Its smart technology detects people, vehicles, and animals, offering a modern transit solution for city routes.

After years of careful testing, an adorable electric bus has begun service in Madrid, providing a glimpse of the future for public transportation in Casa de Campo park.

This innovative project was made possible through a partnership between Madrid’s transit authority and the Automotive Technology Center of Galicia. The bus operated during peak periods on a circuit with six stops, serving commuters and park visitors alike.

Engineered with cutting-edge sensors and software developed in Spain, the bus runs on clean electric power and skillfully navigates the busy park’s route.

“This bus is one of the best I have ever tested,” said César Omar Chacón Fernández, head of the EMT’s Rolling Stock Planning Division.

The collaboration’s goal is to provide a safe, driverless alternative for urban travel on predictable, shorter routes, supporting cities that face a shortage of professional drivers.

Safety is a top priority, with a steward on board while the bus skillfully detects pedestrians, bikers, and even animals to prevent collisions.

“The vehicle detects any object, from a bicycle to an animal, and reacts accordingly to avoid collisions,” shared Chacón. “It is a fully autonomous line, but we never leave anything to chance.”

This charming bus joins the wave of compact, electric European vehicles designed to glide through busy streets and tight spaces.

Let’s celebrate this remarkable step toward friendlier, greener transportation for all!

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