Malta’s First Driverless Bus Hits the Roads
As I stood at the bus stop in Msida, I couldn’t help but stare at the peculiar vehicle approaching. It wasn’t the usual Malta Public Transport bus I was expecting. This one had no driver. Welcome to the future of Maltese public transport.
Malta’s First Driverless Bus: A Sneak Peek
The bus, an electric minibus manufactured by French company Navya, is part of a pilot project launched by the Malta Public Transport and Transport Malta. It’s the first of its kind in Malta, and it’s set to revolutionize the way we commute.
How Does It Work?
The driverless bus, named ‘CITYMOVER’, uses sensors and artificial intelligence to navigate the streets. It’s equipped with cameras, lidar (like radar but using light instead of radio waves), and odometry to ‘see’ and understand its environment. It can detect obstacles, pedestrians, and other vehicles, making it safe and efficient.
But don’t worry about safety. A ‘remote operator’ is always on standby, ready to take control if needed. Plus, the bus has a max speed of 20km/h, making it perfect for city centers like Valletta.
What’s It Like Inside?
I hopped on the bus at its first stop. It’s surprisingly roomy, with space for 12 passengers and a wheelchair user. There are no seats at the front, just a sign saying ‘No Driver On Board’. It’s a strange but exciting feeling, knowing you’re in the hands of technology.
The ride is smooth, almost like a tram. It’s quiet too, thanks to its electric engine. The bus follows a set route, stopping at designated points. You just need to press a button to stop or start.
What’s Next?
The pilot project will run until 2023, testing the bus in various conditions. If successful, we could see more driverless buses on our streets. Imagine a future where you can hop on a bus in Sliema, ride to Valletta, and not worry about traffic or parking.
But there are challenges. Public acceptance, infrastructure changes, and regulatory hurdles are just a few. But Malta has always been a pioneer in transport – we were the first to use steam-powered ships in the Mediterranean. Maybe we’re about to do it again.
“This is just the beginning,” says Ing. Alexei Dingli, Project Manager at Transport Malta. “We’re excited to see how Maltese people react to this new way of commuting.”
