The innovative driverless electric-vehicle (EV) bus project in Thailand has commenced its trial runs, offering complimentary rides around the historic Ayutthaya region. The pilot service, operational from January 31 to July 31, aims to promote eco-friendly transportation solutions and stimulate the development of driverless EVs to combat pollution.
Developed as a collaborative effort between King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi and a private sector organization, the driverless EV bus is a prototype leveraging Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything (C-V2X) technology on 5G networks for communication. This pioneering initiative received funding worth 27 million baht (approximately US$748,000) from the Office of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission.
Passengers can access the service via the “5G Auto E-bus” mobile application, allowing them to reserve seats, track the bus’s real-time location, and estimate arrival times at the four designated bus stops: OTOP Ayutthaya Center, Wat Mahathat, Wat Dhammikaraj, and Wat Phra Ram. The bus route covers 2.8 kilometers in total, providing a convenient and environmentally friendly mode of transport for visitors and locals alike.
Following the conclusion of the free trial period, the bus will be transferred to King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi for further research and utilization. This pioneering project signifies Thailand’s commitment to embracing cutting-edge technology and sustainable transportation solutions, positioning the country as a leader in the field of autonomous electric vehicles.