Sustainable mobility
Imagine you're waiting for the bus, and suddenly, you see one arrive —completely silent, driverless, and with a sleek design. It's not a dream or a distant futuristic vision. It's already a reality in some cities around the world. What seemed impossible a few years ago is now transforming the way we travel, thanks to electrification and digitisation.
This change redefines our travel experience and is becoming a powerful tool to protect the planet. So, the next time you use public transportation, you might be stepping into a new chapter of urban transport. Are you ready to hop on a driverless bus? We know we are.
Self-Driving Buses: Yes, They're a Reality
In Stockholm, self-driving buses aren't just an experiment. For the locals, it's perfectly normal to wait for the bus and see one arrive without anyone at the wheel. And though they aren't very fast, travelling at 24 km/h, they make decisions autonomously in fractions of a second, with every movement precisely calculated.
Lyon is a pioneer in the use of driverless buses with the Navya project. Since 2016, these buses have been driving along the streets of France, transforming urban mobility. Without drivers, but equipped with cutting-edge technology, these vehicles have defied expectations, proving that autonomous driving is viable.
On the other side of the globe, in Singapore, self-driving buses have been transporting passengers on specific routes since 2019, reaching key destinations without a driver behind the wheel. However, they are accompanied by a safety driver, ready to intervene if necessary.
While driverless buses still have a way to go, electric public transportation is already making a significant impact worldwide. Let's take a global tour of the most pioneering projects. And here's a spoiler: Spain is home to one of them!
A Global Transformation: How Is Public Transportation Reinventing Itself?
To better understand how this transformation is happening,we need to take a look at some of the most innovative electrification projects around the world.
- China. It is leading in electrification with over 500,000 electric buses in operation. This effort has reduced urban pollution and positioned China as a global leader in clean transportation.
- Mexico City. The electrification of Line 3 of the city's underground system stands out as a key example of sustainability in mass transportation, benefiting thousands of passengers.
- Europe. Countries like Germany, France, and the Netherlands are also making progress. In 2023, the electric bus market in Europe grew by 53%, with a strong commitment to reducing emissions and improving air quality in its cities. The goal is for 83% of buses sold to be electric by 2040, according to BloombergNEF analysts.
- Spain. Our country isn't falling behind: The Digizity project is taking autonomous driving to the next level, combining electric buses with advanced technology that adapts to the city's needs. Barcelona's H12 line will be fully electric by the end of 2024, and an agreement has been signed in Huelva to electrify the entire urban bus fleet.
An electrified and digitised public transport system won't just reduce our carbon footprint; it will also make our cities more liveable by decreasing pollution levels. But what does all of this mean for us public transport users? Will it improve our quality of life?
A new experience for the User
Imagine a future where you can plan your route from an app, pay with a simple tap on your phone, and enjoy a peaceful trip, without noise or pollution.
Electric public transport will be more energy-efficient and is designed to make our lives more comfortable. Buses and trains will be quieter, waiting times will be reduced thanks to route optimisation, and digitisation will allow for greater service personalisation.
Additionally, the implementation of advanced safety technologies will help make it safer.
Challenges and Opportunities
Like any revolution, this one also comes with challenges. Our current infrastructure must be adapted to support the new technology, and that requires investment. Governments and companies will need to collaborate to ensure that cities are prepared for the transition.
Regulations will also need to evolve to keep up with these changes. For example, the integration of self-driving vehicles raises complex questions about liability in the event of accidents, user data privacy, and equity in access to these new services.
But in case you’re wondering: yes, the benefits far outweigh the challenges.
In the long run, the electrification of public transportation will reduce operational costs, as electric vehicles are cheaper to maintain and operate than traditional ones. Additionally, the reduction in emissions will play a role in combating climate change, improving air quality and the health of city residents.
Urban mobility is undergoing an unprecedented transformation. What once seemed impossible is now a reality in many cities.
