Finland’s First Driverless Bus Service Launches in Tampere Next Week
A groundbreaking leap in public transport is set to take place in Tampere next week with the launch of Finland’s first fare-paying driverless bus service. Starting Monday, a fully electric autonomous bus will begin its route between the neighborhoods of Hervantajärvi and Lintuhytti, paving the way for a new era in urban transportation.
While autonomous buses have made appearances in Tampere before—as part of pilot projects—this new service marks a significant step, as it will require passengers to pay for their rides. The route will also conveniently connect to the city’s tram system, enhancing transportation accessibility.
Initially, a safety driver will be aboard the bus when service commences on November 17. However, plans are already in place to transition to a completely driverless operation by spring, with activities monitored from a centralized control center, according to a statement from Tampere’s transport authority, Nysse.
The high-tech vehicle was developed by Remoted, a company at the forefront of autonomous transportation. CEO Tatu Nieminen emphasized the complexity of bringing the project to fruition, stating, “This requires us, among other things, to obtain operating permits and meet the commercial service requirements set by Nysse.”
The bus will traverse approximately one kilometer, providing daily service. It will operate on weekdays from 6 AM to 11 PM, and on weekends from 9 AM to 10 PM. To ensure optimal performance, expect a brief charging pause in the middle of each day lasting about an hour.
For those interested in the specifics of schedules and routes, Nysse’s route planner will offer detailed information. Additionally, a traditional small bus operated by a human will be available during battery charging periods or service disruptions, ensuring that public transport remains seamless and reliable.
As Tampere embarks on this innovative journey, the city is poised to lead the way in the realm of autonomous public transport in Finland.