Automated shuttles are coming to Brussels Airport.

Belgian public transport operator De Lijn, in cooperation with Brussels Airport Company is working on introducing a fleet of automated shuttle buses that can provide reliable and safe, 24/7 transfer services for airport staff and passengers alike. The buses are expected to enter service by 2018 and would operate between the car parks, terminals, cargo& office areas within the airport.

The venture commences this autumn with a pilot test programme. The key test for the programme is to ascertain whether or not the automated shuttles are able to safely navigate high traffic levels, as they won’t be using a segregated busway.

The next step is the drafting of the specifications for manufacturers, a process that should be completed in spring 2016, with the contract for the delivery of new bus fleet expected to be awarded in the following autumn.