Swedish Autonomous Bus Gets Bumped: A Bumpy Start to AI-Driven Transport

The future of autonomous transport hit a literal bump in Gothenburg, Sweden when an AI-driven bus was rear-ended by a tram. This incident unfolded shortly after the bus began its second trip with passengers on May 25, operating on route 169 between Gothenburg Central Station and Liseberg. Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported, but the collision left both the bus and tram with minor damages.

AI Meets Real-World Traffic

Västtrafik, the operator behind the autonomous bus, confirmed the incident, emphasizing the fortunate lack of significant injuries. The more pressing issue, however, is how self-driving technology adapts to real-world traffic dynamics. It's one thing for an AI to drive in isolation. It's quite another to navigate a world where other vehicles, like trams, have the right of way and limited maneuverability.

The project's timeline marks its inception in 2024, with trials extending to 2027. Today, a driver remains on board to oversee operations, though interaction with the controls is minimal. Yet, this incident raises the question: Is AI truly ready for the unpredictable nature of urban traffic?

Global Struggles with AI Transport

This isn't a solitary struggle. Around the world, other autonomous projects face similar hurdles. Elon Musk's Cybercab, announced in 2024, is slowly making its entrance onto the roads. Meanwhile, Waymo has already pulled back thousands of its vehicles amidst concerns about their ability to safely navigate adverse conditions like floods at high speeds.

The UK's foray into autonomous buses also saw setbacks. After launching its first route in 2023, the service was suspended in 2025 due to low passenger uptake. A 14-mile journey in Scotland meant to pioneer this technology ended with drivers still needed on board.

What Next for Self-Driving Tech?

The Gothenburg collision underscores a critical lesson in autonomous transport: AI might be smart, but it's not yet omniscient. The Västtrafik spokesperson noted ongoing investigations to analyze the incident, aiming to refine the integration of autonomous vehicles in mixed-traffic environments.

The ambition is clear: to understand and share insights about autonomous mobility's practical application. But the journey to effortless AI integration in public transport is far from over. With incidents like this, we must ask, is our infrastructure ready to truly support AI-driven solutions?