Self-driving bus hit by tram on 1st day carrying passengers in Sweden

A self-driving bus in Gothenburg, Sweden, was hit from behind by a tram on Monday, just over an hour after it began carrying regular passengers, reported Xinhua, quoting Swedish Television. The bus had made its first passenger run at 10 a.m. local time, Patrik Chi, a spokesperson for regional public transport operator Vasttrafik, was quoted as saying. The bus slowed down near Kapellplatsen in central Gothenburg before being hit from behind by a tram. No injuries were reported among those on the bus or the tram, according to the report. There was only one regular passenger on the bus, along with several Vasttrafik employees who were taking part in the inaugural run. The vehicle was taken out of service after the accident and sent back to the depot for inspection and possible repairs. Chi said Vasttrafik was sorry about the incident and would carry out a thorough analysis of what had happened. The bus is a Karsan Autonomous e-ATAK, made by Turkish manufacturer Karsan. Images carried by Swedish media showed a warning sign on the rear of the bus reading: Keep distance! The bus may brake sharply. The service is part of a Vasttrafik trial of autonomous public transport in urban traffic. According to Vasttrafik, a safety driver remains on board and can take control of the vehicle when needed.