Driverless-Public-Transport
Every now and then, something comes along that makes us really excited about the future. That’s exactly how we felt when we heard about Renault’s latest leap into autonomous public transport. The French automaker has partnered with global autonomous driving leader WeRide, mobility operator beti, and insurer Macif to launch Europe’s first fully driverless Robobus service – and it’s live and operational in France’s Drôme region.
Let’s unpack this groundbreaking move and why we’re so intrigued by it as proud Renault dealers here in South Africa.
The Road To Driverless Mobility
It all kicked off on 10 March 2025, when several six-meter-long Robobuses began ferrying passengers around the Rovaltain business park near Valence’s TGV train station. This isn’t a closed test track – it’s a public, mixed-traffic route that spans 3.3 km and connects parking areas, the train station, a catering hub, and more than 150 businesses that employ about 3,000 people. In short, this is real-world, everyday transport in action.
Each Robobus carries up to eight passengers and is powered by Level 4 (L4) automation, which means the vehicle is fully autonomous under specific conditions. It can reach speeds of up to 40 km/h, avoid dynamic obstacles, and navigate seamlessly without a driver behind the wheel. Incredible, right?
Read next: Shifting From Waste To Worth With The Renault Circular Economy Revolution (Part II)
Safety Is Still Front And Centre
One of the questions people often ask about autonomous transport is, “But is it safe?” This is where the clever “hypervision” system comes in. It’s an advanced layer of remote monitoring and operational oversight that supports the onboard systems and constantly improves safety protocols.
During the initial phase, which runs until mid-April, the Robobuses will operate under real passenger conditions to evaluate service performance and safety. A second phase is scheduled to launch in July, with further scale and refinement expected.
A Major Win For Green Mobility
What makes this launch even more exciting is its focus on low-carbon, sustainable public transport. WeRide’s Robobuses provide an eco-conscious alternative to petrol or diesel vehicles, helping to cut emissions and reduce congestion in busy urban environments.
Renault has made it clear that it views autonomous, shared transport as a vital piece of the puzzle in Europe’s move towards greener cities. The company is already investing heavily in electric vehicle innovation and infrastructure, and this collaboration with WeRide is a natural next step in that commitment.
In a fun twist, Renault and WeRide are also showcasing their Robobus tech during the 2024 French Open. During the tournament, these autonomous shuttles will transport visitors between parking zones and the event venues, again helping to reduce traffic and emissions in a high-footfall area. And, in a nod to the iconic event, the Robobuses will sport a ‘clay court’ livery inspired by the Roland Garros stadium. Style and function? We’re here for it.
Also see: Inside Renault’s Future (Exclusive Insights From CEO Luca de Meo)
A Global Partner For Global And Local Progress
WeRide is no newcomer to this game. The company has a presence in 30 cities across 7 countries and holds autonomous driving licences in China, the US, the UAE, and Singapore.
Partnering with a tech powerhouse like this allows Renault to stay on the front foot in the race to make driverless public transport part of daily life in Europe – and eventually, who knows, maybe even here at home.
Gilles Le Borgne, Renault Group’s CTO, put it perfectly when he said, “To achieve our future autonomous driving strategy, we’re partnering with the best.” That’s the kind of energy we love to see from a brand that’s consistently pushing boundaries.
While this tech won’t be available on Mzansi roads just yet, developments like these give us plenty of reason to be proud of Renault. It shows us that the brand is thinking ahead, investing in cleaner, smarter mobility solutions, and setting the pace globally.
As South Africans, we know the value of reliable, affordable, and efficient transport, especially in busy urban areas. If autonomous vehicles like these become part of the mix in the future, we’re keen to see how they’ll help solve real-world challenges back home, too.
Learn more: Driving Nostalgia: Bold, Fun & Electrifyingly Iconic
Stay Tuned For More Renault Innovation
At Group1 Renault, we’re all about bringing you the best of what this iconic brand has to offer, from rugged bakkies to futuristic news like this. So, if you’re as curious as we are about where the road leads next, make sure to check back soon for more exciting Renault updates and innovation stories. We’ve got our eye on the horizon, and we hope you’re coming along for the ride.
