While robotaxis are grabbing headlines, self-driving buses might just be the real game-changer for urban mobility. With cities facing driver shortages and congestion concerns, autonomous buses are emerging as a smarter, more efficient alternative. Here’s what’s happening in the world of driverless public transport.
Autonomous Buses Over Robotaxis?
Unlike robotaxis, which often contribute to traffic congestion, buses naturally reduce it by carrying multiple passengers at once. Kevin DeGood, an infrastructure policy expert, highlights that buses can transport dozens of passengers per trip, whereas robotaxis usually serve just one. Less congestion, fewer emissions, and more efficiency—autonomous buses could be the key to smarter urban transport.
Imagry’s Global Push for Self-Driving Buses
San Jose-based Imagry is leading the charge, rolling out Level 3 autonomous buses in Israel and bidding for projects in Austria, Germany, Japan, Portugal, and Sweden. Their buses use an AI-driven system powered by eight low-resolution cameras, creating a 360-degree map to navigate busy streets. Unlike competitors relying on costly lidar and radar, Imagry’s camera-based approach makes the technology more affordable and scalable.
Imagry is currently testing autonomous buses with human operators onboard, but by late 2025, the company aims to secure the first-ever Level 4 certification for a city bus, eliminating the need for a safety driver.
The Bigger Picture
Imagry isn’t alone in the race. Companies like MAN Truck & Bus, Karsan, and EasyMile are also developing self-driving bus tech, with some integrating vehicle-to-infrastructure communication to optimize routes and stops. Governments across Europe and Asia are embracing these innovations, hoping to streamline public transport and reduce reliance on private vehicles.
A Driverless Future?
If Level 4 self-driving buses become a reality, they could reshape urban transport forever. But this shift also raises questions—will cities need human drivers at all? And how will this technology integrate with existing transport networks?
One thing’s for sure: the future of public transit is accelerating fast.
Stay tuned as we follow the latest developments in autonomous mobility!
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