Noord-Holland plans trial of driverless shuttles near Schiphol

Noord-Holland is examining the possibility of running autonomous shuttle buses without an onboard driver in the vicinity of Schiphol. Should the safety and technical requirements be met, the province intends to begin a trial in 2027 on the route between Hoofddorp station and the nearby Schiphol Trade Park business area.

Hoofddorp station and the expansive business park sit about 2 kilometers from each other, but the area lacks a public transport link. As a result, employees must either walk the distance or rely on taxi vans, and the province notes that those vans are not always available in sufficient numbers.

For this reason, Noord-Holland is working with transport operator Transdev and area developer SADC to explore the feasibility of autonomous shuttle buses. The study will examine the technology’s safety and reliability, the expected costs, and the availability of qualified suppliers. Any trial would require prior approval from the Dutch Vehicle Authority (RDW).

“This research represents a significant step toward the future of public transport,” says Deputy Jeroen Olthof. He explains that some areas, like isolated business parks, need customized approaches. “Passenger numbers are low, and the costs are high in those locations.”

Rotterdam is already experimenting with an autonomous bus on the route between Meijersplein/Airport metro station and Rotterdam The Hague Airport, but a driver remains in the vehicle. This driver can take control and operate the bus manually when needed.

In September, State Secretary for Public Transport Thierry Aartsen announced that self-driving bus trials will be conducted at three types of locations: rural regions, business parks, and areas lacking rail connections where long distances must be traversed.