Free trials of an autonomous electric shuttle bus have begun in the Olympic Park in east London. Members of the public can hop on and off the self driving bus at four points around the park including the Lee Valley VeloPark and the Copper Box Arena.

 

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling took part in a demonstration of the bus last week, which has been developed by French sustainable transport firm Navya and delivered by Keolis, which operates the Docklands Light Railway.

 

Trials of the shuttle buses have previously taken place in France, America and Denmark.

 

The bus can accommodate 15 passengers and is able to travel at up to 28MPH but its speed has been limited for the east London trial.

 

Head of strategy and sustainability Jennifer Daothong from the London Legacy Development Corporation, which looks after management of the Olympic Park, said: “London is at the forefront of the technology revolution that is going to enable global cities to operate in healthier, more efficient and more sustainable ways.”

 

Navya business development manager Hervé Gentil said: “We are delighted to be a part of the event at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and to be given the opportunity to showcase our innovative smart mobility solution.”

 

Keolis UK chief executive Alistair Gordon added: “The challenge for future cities is developing sustainable, integrated transport networks that work for the passenger. Autonomous technology is just one of the innovations we’re exploring to help deliver this and revolutionise public transport in the UK.”