Episode 8

full
Published on:

8th Apr 2025

Changing mobility options using a driverless minibus - Professor Phil Blythe explains

How are we getting on introducing driverless vehicles into our transport network?

Well, we're further forward thanks to some new research in Sunderland which we find out about today with Newcastle University's Professor Phil Blythe who tells us about a trial service between a transport interchange and the city's hospital.

Subscribe to Highways Voices free on Apple Podcasts,Spotify, Amazon Music, Google Podcastsor Pocket Castsand never miss an episode!

In this episode of Highways Voices, Professor Blythe discusses how the real-world trial is not only mapping out the transformation of mobility access for patients and staff but also addressing the urgent shortage of commercial drivers and paving the way for smarter, more connected urban transport systems. For decision-makers grappling with service gaps, labour challenges, and climate goals, this is a look into a near-future solution already in motion.

In this episode you will learn how autonomous public transport is being used to solve real, local accessibility challenges in complex traffic environments, discover how Newcastle University is evaluating user trust, environmental benefits, and cost efficiency to guide future adoption and get insights on scalable models and how public-private partnerships are accelerating deployment of smart transport technologies across the UK.

Hit play now to find out how autonomous vehicles are quietly reshaping the future of urban transport—starting with a hill, a hospital, and a city determined to lead.

Highways Voices is brought to you with our partners the Transport Technology Forum, LCRIG, ADEPT and ITS UK.

Next Episode All Episodes Previous Episode

Listen for free

Show artwork for Highways Voices: Talking Roads and Transport Technology innovation

About the Podcast

Highways Voices: Talking Roads and Transport Technology innovation
The highways and transport technology industries' podcast from Highways-News.com
The Highways Voices podcast is a must-listen for professionals in the Highways and Transport Technology industries covering construction, maintenance, Intelligent Transport Systems and Public Transportation.

Presented by leading journalists Paul Hutton and Adrian Tatum, you’ll hear industry leaders sharing insights you won’t hear anywhere else, giving you a taste of the latest thinking about the sector's new techniques and technologies, collaborations and innovations. All in the time it takes for an average daily commute (or dog walk!).

We bring you keynote-speaker quality guests into your phone or laptop, ensuring every time you listen you’ll learn something new you can use in your day-to-day job.

Plus, you'll catch up with the top stories from the daily newsletters sent by Highways-News.com and hear the latest from our podcast partners LCRIG, the TTF, ADEPT and ITS UK.

About your host

Profile picture for Highways Voices

Highways Voices

Highways Voices is the weekly podcast from Highways-News.com. In it, Paul Hutton and Adrian Tatum speak to thought leaders, decision makers and inventors in the highways and transport technology industries. New editions are unloaded every Wednesday.