New self-driving bus to operate in Belfast Harbour 'within the month'
We got a first look at 'Harlander' which should be ready for passengers soon
Last updated 29th May 2025
The first self-driving bus on the island of Ireland has been unveiled.
'Harlander' was revealed by Belfast Harbour at a launch event in Titanic Hotel on Thursday.
It's hoped the shuttle will be in use for the public within the month and will transport them around the area for free to begin with.
Mike Dawson is the People and Digital Transformation Director at Belfast Harbour, he tells us about the vehicle:
"It's brand new.
"Built from the ground up with autonomy in mind.
"It'll run across the estate 1.3 miles, carries nine passengers and it will align to Translink's timetable so roughly four journeys every hour."
The bus is still being tested out and will be seen by people around Titanic Quarter in the city.
Mike told us he thinks the shuttle itself will boost tourism in the area:
"Not many people get a chance to ride in an autonomous vehicle, we think the vehicle in itself will be a point of attraction for people.
"How exciting to come to a place, you see all this technology, you see all this innovation, matched to the history that already exists here and you're able to come back from your cruise and say 'I was on an autonomous vehicle in Belfast."
And for the more dubious among us, Mike says there will still be a human on board:
"It has a safety attendant on board so for the passenger they'll be very comfortable in that there is someone sitting in what is traditionally a driver's seat, with a steering wheel, they can intervene as necessary but it will largely run in full autonomous mode."