Munich tests convoys of self-driving buses that follow human driver

Platooning reduces the number of drivers needed on busy routes and helps transport operators react to fluctuating demand. At present Munich uses diesel buses pulling passenger trailers to cope with peak passenger numbers on suburban routes. — dpa

MUNICH: Researchers in the southern German city of Munich are testing a new urban transit concept that could see city buses being accompanied by a second and third driverless bus that follows close behind.

Designed to help a city quickly respond to peak transit times without the need for humans to drive additional buses, the so-called “platoons” of buses are tightly-grouped with a human driver in the leading vehicle.