Autonomous Mercedes-Benz bus could potentially boost bus coolness

In a groundbreaking development for public transportation, the Mercedes-Benz Future Bus has made its way to New Zealand, offering a unique and innovative solution to the current state of bus travel, which the author finds unsatisfactory.

This semi-autonomous bus, tested successfully on a 20-kilometer route from Amsterdam's Schiphol airport to Haarlem, boasts a distinctive appearance, resembling a larger version of the BMW i3. The bus's seating arrangement, while different from standard buses, is less efficient, providing a spacious and modern interior.

At the heart of the Future Bus lies the CityPilot technology, a system that allows the bus to navigate semi-autonomously. This technology is based on that of the autonomously driving Mercedes-Benz Actros truck with Highway Pilot, presented two years ago. The CityPilot can recognize and communicate with traffic lights, negotiate junctions, recognize obstacles, especially pedestrians, and brake autonomously.

The bus is equipped with numerous cameras, long and short-range radar systems, and a GPS system for navigation and obstacle detection. This technology creates an extremely precise picture, allowing the bus to be positioned to within centimetres. As a result, the bus approaches bus stops automatically and opens and closes its doors, offering a seamless and convenient experience for passengers.

Despite concerns about the technology, particularly after Tesla's recent issues with its semi-autonomous system, the Mercedes-Benz Future Bus has demonstrated success in testing. The bus is even capable of driving through tunnels, a feature that could prove invaluable in urban environments.

However, the potential challenges of the bus's performance in highly treacherous urban environments like Auckland City are not yet known. The author, who expresses a preference for trains over buses, remains cautiously optimistic about the Future Bus's impact on public transportation in New Zealand.

The test drives of the semi-autonomous Mercedes-Benz Future Bus took place in the city of Neu-Ulm, Germany. With further development for city use, featuring additional functions, this bus could very well revolutionize the way we travel by bus.