According to the province, a self-driving bus is preferable because additional drivers do not have to be deployed.
According to Jeroen Olthof, deputy of mobility, this involves tailor-made solutions to make a poorly accessible spot in North Holland accessible. “If this innovation proves promising, we will start a trial; small self-driving shuttle buses to make North Holland more accessible.”
Additions to public transport
According to the province, industrial estates are often remote, which sometimes makes traveling difficult for people who cannot travel by car. There are now taxi buses, but they cannot always meet the demand.
In addition to the poor accessibility of industrial estates such as Schiphol Trade Park, it is also a sustainability issue.
Research, then pilot
In the coming months, research will be conducted into the feasibility of the project. This will last until the end of June 2026. If it turns out that a pilot is possible, preparations will start for a trial, which should start in 2027 at the earliest. This is only possible if the RDW also agrees.
The province further indicates that it is hopeful that a successful pilot could potentially provide a supplement to public transport in rural areas in the long term.