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Autonomous e-ATAK bus. Credit: Instagram@karsantr
The Netherlands will introduce its first autonomous public bus in 2025. The vehicle will shuttle passengers from Rotterdam The Hague Airport RTM to Meijersplein Metro Station.
Despite Dutch laws that require a safety driver, this pilot programme is billed as the world’s very first autonomous airport shuttle operation.
The bus, despite being self-driving will still be accompanied by a driver during the initial operations. According to RET spokesperson Tessa Dronzek, local media reports that “current laws and regulations don’t allow self-driving cars on public roads without someone inside who can intervene if needed.”
As more tests are completed and new laws become law, the goal for full autonomy will be achieved.
The vehicles used are Karsan’s autonomous eATAK busses, which feature LiDAR sensors and radars, RGB and thermal camera, as well as advanced image processing, for precise navigation, safety monitoring, and enhanced image quality.
According to Karsan CEO Okan Baş, “this project clearly shows that autonomous mobility is no longer just a vision of the future, but a concrete transportation solution of today” (Airport Industry News).
e-ATAK is a self-driving bus
Before the public test, the eATAK busses underwent extensive functional and operational safety tests. The RDW (Dutch Vehicle Authority), has approved them fully.
The route – chosen for its simplicity and low traffic complexity – was declared fit for autonomous trials by the National Road Administration, according to Rotterdam The Hague Airport.
RET Director Linda Boot responded to concerns about potential job losses by stating that “We are currently recruiting hundreds of people a day.” This shortage will not change in the near future. This is what we need to solve this problem. (Cited By Euronews).
Although robot buses don’t replace human drivers completely, they are a huge step forward in the world of public transportation.
Would you rely on a driverless shuttle to take you to the airport in time?
See all the news from Netherlands.
