TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's first highway autonomous bus embarked on its inaugural licensing and passenger-carrying tests on Friday, Nov. 24, marking a new milestone in public transportation.
In its initial phase, the self-driving bus traveled from the Taichung Public Library Daan Branch to the Taichung Harbor Visitor Information Center, covering a 16-kilometer stretch, with 12 kilometers operated autonomously at a set speed of 40 kilometers per hour.
The development of the autonomous bus, which cost NT＄30 million, will be overseen by an engineering driver provided by the transit company and trained by the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) during its trial phase.
The full route, spanning 44 kilometers from Taichung's Daan District to Lukang Town in Changhua County, is expected to be over 70% autonomous, according to the Ministry of Transportation and Communications' (MOTC) Highway Bureau, which launched the project with Green Transit Co., Ltd.
As the country's fastest autonomous bus in an open area, the service is slated to offer free rides to the public starting in March next year. Seven stops are planned, with 7 to 8 daily services, and each bus is capable of carrying 22 passengers, with 15 seated and 7 standing.
Highway Bureau Director-General Chen Wen-juei noted that Taiwan's autonomous vehicle testing, previously conducted mostly in closed areas, is now transitioning to approved bus routes on expressways.
Chen also emphasized the program's goals to mitigate the shortage of public transportation personnel and to reduce traffic incidents, with speeds between 40 to 50 kilometers per hour.
MOTC Deputy Minister Chen Yen-po highlighted the necessity of refining road traffic safety regulations and penalties as autonomous vehicle technology progresses. The initiative is set to deliver high-quality technology services, starting in rural and coastal areas.
Additionally, the Highway Bureau plans to improve the efficiency of highway maintenance and public transport operations using smart technology, beginning with rural areas to validate the safety and reliability of the autonomous buses.