SELF-DRIVING buses will take to the roads today and travel between Inverkeithing and Edinburgh in a two-week trial run.

The live testing of the UK's first full-sized autonomous service, operated by on-board computer rather than a human, is being piloted by Stagecoach in partnership with Fusion Processing, Alexander Dennis and Transport Scotland.

Five single deckers, travelling between Ferrytoll park and ride and Edinburgh Park train and tram interchange via the Forth Road Bridge, are fitted with sensor and control technology that enables them to run on pre-selected roads without the safety driver having to intervene or take control.

During the live tests no passengers are on board the buses but if the CAV Forth project proves successful they plan to start services – capable of carrying up to 36 passengers over the 14 miles across the bridge – in late summer.

It will have capacity for more than 10,000 passengers a week.

Sam Greer, regional director for Stagecoach, said: “This is a hugely exciting project for Scotland and we are pleased to be starting live testing on roads this week.

"This is a major step forward in our journey to fully launch the UK’s first full-sized autonomous bus service and will provide easy access to a brand-new bus route in the heart of East Scotland.”

The on-road testing follows successful depot-based trials, track testing and virtual simulation where the buses have been put through their paces to fine tune the autonomous drive systems.

As part of the project, around 500 members of the public have helped with the implementation of the new autonomous bus service, providing feedback on what would make them feel comfortable and confident in travelling.

In response, there will still be a member of staff on board at all times.

Stagecoach will also start recruiting more than 20 specially trained ‘autonomous bus professionals’ across their East Scotland business.

When the service goes live, these experienced drivers will monitor the autonomous system alongside a bus ‘captain’ who will move around the saloon, talking to passengers about the service and answering any questions they may have, demonstrating what a future service might feel like when the staff member is able to leave the cab while the computer does the driving.

The pilot scheme, which aims to use new technology "that will make buses even safer and even more efficient", is being jointly funded by the UK Government’s Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CCAV).

Jim Hutchinson, Fusion Processing Ltd CEO, said: “We are delighted to be leading the world’s most complex and ambitious autonomous vehicle programme.

"CAV Forth will provide a useful service to local people as well as being a great demonstration of Fusion’s automated vehicle technology.

"The buses are fitted with CAVstar, our automated driving system which combines our own hardware and software to create, safe, full-size buses, operating at SAE Level 4.

"On road testing is an exciting milestone in the development of autonomous commercial vehicles and we look forward to welcoming passengers onboard in a few months’ time.”