Changing mobility options using a driverless minibus - Professor Phil Blythe explains

Highways Voices: Talking Roads and Transport Technology innovation

How are we getting on introducing driverless vehicles into our transport network?

Well, we're further forward thanks to some new research in Sunderland which we find out about today with Newcastle University's Professor Phil Blythe who tells us about a trial service between a transport interchange and the city's hospital.

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In this episode of Highways Voices, Professor Blythe discusses how the real-world trial is not only mapping out the transformation of mobility access for patients and staff but also addressing the urgent shortage of commercial drivers and paving the way for smarter, more connected urban transport systems. For decision-makers grappling with service gaps, labour challenges, and climate goals, this is a look into a near-future solution already in motion.

In this episode you will learn how autonomous public transport is being used to solve real, local accessibility challenges in complex traffic environments, discover how Newcastle University is evaluating user trust, environmental benefits, and cost efficiency to guide future adoption and get insights on scalable models and how public-private partnerships are accelerating deployment of smart transport technologies across the UK.

Hit play now to find out how autonomous vehicles are quietly reshaping the future of urban transport—starting with a hill, a hospital, and a city determined to lead.

Highways Voices is brought to you with our partners the Transport Technology Forum, LCRIG, ADEPT and ITS UK.