Public Funding for Stagecoach Group Limited

This project follows on from the CAVForth project which saw Stagecoach operate a fleet of five 37 seat Alexander Dennis buses that have been fitted with the CAVStar(r) automated drive system developed by Fusion Processing Ltd. This new project will see the route extend to Dunfermline bus station, and will also include use of a new model Alexander Dennis electric bus. The project will commence April 3, meaning a seamless continuation of the service between Ferry Toll Park & Ride and Edinburgh Park Station, and will run to March 2025

"This project will use full size, 12m, single deck buses operating at Level 4 autonomy, providing a pilot bus service, in all weathers, using a 14 mile each way route between Fife and Edinburgh including crossing the Forth Road Bridge. This exciting and challenging project will provide a world leading demonstration of UK autonomous vehicle capability at a UNESCO heritage site with resultant global interest, and help UK companies introduce AV tech to their world-wide products and services. The project is led by UK technology company Fusion Processing Ltd and comprises leading UK organisations active in the transport sector: Fusion Processing Ltd: Autonomous vehicle technology Alexander Dennis: Vehicles Ltd: Stagecoach Group plc - Bus Service Operator and Societal Research Transport Scotland: National transport agency Napier University: Measurement of wider society viewpoint Bristol Robotics Laboratory: Vehicle simulation, validation, safety, and compliance