Admittedly the thought of being a passenger on a driverless bus is not particularly comforting, however perceptions are being challenged at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

Newham Recorder: The driverless bus in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park Picture: Harry BuckleyThe driverless bus in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park Picture: Harry Buckley (Image: Harry Buckley)

I went along for a ride on the new autonomous (driverless) buses that are providing free circuits of the park for curious visitors.

One of these was Ian Granville from Bow, who decided to visit after hearing about the buses from a friend.

He said: “I would like to see the buses used in other areas of London. They would really help disabled people.”

The buses, although capable of 45 km/h, carry their 15 passengers at a leisurely pace which leaves plenty of time for enjoying the ride.

Newham Recorder: The driverless bus in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park Picture: Harry BuckleyThe driverless bus in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park Picture: Harry Buckley (Image: Harry Buckley)

Transport planner Steve Keen from Taunton was on a day trip with colleagues and wanted to see the buses for himself.

He said: “As travel planners, we assess how people move and there has to be an emphasis on sustainability.

“These vehicles are the future of transport. How else are you going to get people out of their cars?”

Mr Keen does not see driverless technology as being a threat to traditional London buses however.

He added: “At this stage the focus is on first and last mile journeys only.

“These are the journeys that take people from their front door to transport hubs like train stations.”

His colleague Richard Mallett from Reading commented: “Studies show that the younger generation are less reliant on cars and fewer of them expect to own cars in future.”

The transport planners admitted however that people might need some convincing over the idea of travelling in a driverless vehicle.

Mr Keen said: “Having no driver is a hurdle for perception but people are generally forward-thinking and can adapt.”

French company Navya who make the buses are keen to stress the safety of the technology.

The company’s website states that it believes driverless vehicle technology is “reliable, fatigue resistant and does not depend on human alcohol consumption”.

There are four driverless vehicle trials ongoing in the UK, however Stratford is the only place where passengers are able to experience a ride.

Free rides are running throughout this month, finishing on September 30.