Commuters in Barcelona have a unique opportunity this week: they can ride a bus without a driver. This autonomous mini-bus, which is part of a trial, is taking passengers on a free ride through the heart of the city.
The bus operates on a 2.2-kilometer (1.3-mile) circular route with four stops along one of Barcelona’s busiest boulevards. Passengers can hop on board and experience the future of transportation firsthand. The vehicle, created by Renault in partnership with WeRide, is designed to drive itself, pulling away from stops, changing lanes, and stopping safely—all without a human driver.
Renault first introduced this driverless bus at the French Open last year and is now testing it in Barcelona. The company is also conducting trials in Valence, France, and at Zurich airport. This initiative comes at a time when European cities are working to catch up with the United States and China in the development of autonomous vehicles.
One young passenger, 18-year-old Pau Cugat, shared his excitement after riding the bus. He remarked on the contrast between the driverless bus and a traditional combustion-engine bus he saw during his ride, calling it a glimpse of the future.
While companies in cities like San Francisco and Tokyo are also experimenting with driverless transportation, Europe has been slower to adopt this technology. Patrick Vergelas, who oversees Renault’s autonomous mobility projects, emphasized the need for Europe to embrace this innovation, stating that the U.S. and China are currently ahead in the race for autonomous vehicles.
The electric bus can travel up to 120 kilometers on a single charge and can reach speeds of 40 kilometers per hour (25 mph). It is equipped with 10 cameras and eight sensor arrays to help it safely maneuver through traffic, including cars, motorbikes, and pedestrians. So far, Barcelona’s city officials have reported no accidents involving the experimental bus.
Carlos Santos from Renault’s autonomous driving group noted that reactions from passengers have varied widely. Some riders have smiled and taken pictures, while others have shown signs of anxiety. Regardless, he assured everyone that the ride is safe.
As this trial continues, it could pave the way for more autonomous vehicles in public transportation across Europe, offering a glimpse into the future of urban mobility.