Autonomous bus tests in Barcelona faced disruption this Wednesday as Transport Metropolitans de Barcelona (TMB) workers protested against the introduction of driverless vehicles.
Approximately a dozen employees, mobilised by the CGT union, blocked the seventh trial of Barcelona’s first autonomous bus during morning operations in Montjuïc.
The demonstrators gathered at Plaza Dante carrying banners with messages including “More quality jobs and fewer ‘robobuses'” and criticism of technological investment over workforce improvements.
Furthermore, they expressed concerns about workplace protocols, with one banner stating: “TMB we want harassment protocols to protect, not for corporate use.”
Autonomous Bus Route and Testing Details
The 1.8-kilometre test route, which began on November 4th and concludes this Friday, includes stops at Plaza Dante, Avda.
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Miramar, Plaza Neptuno, Av Estadio/Ps. Olímpico, Fundación Joan Miró and Funicular de Montjuic. According to TMB’s presentation, the autonomous trials aim to “reinforce safety, efficiency and service quality.”
The Turkish-made Karsan Autonomous e-Atak vehicle features level four autonomy technology and capacity for 52 passengers. Measuring eight metres in length, this model already operates in several European countries including Sweden, Switzerland, Norway and Finland. However, the current testing phase maintains a safety driver onboard despite the vehicle’s autonomous capabilities.
Jacobo Kalitovics, director of TMB’s bus network, explained the safety measures: “At all times it carries a driver preventively in case intervention is needed, but the vehicle develops completely autonomous driving thanks to the radars and sensors it carries.” This safety driver remains essential under Spanish regulations for level four autonomous vehicles.
Transport Infrastructure Challenges
The protest highlights ongoing tensions between technological advancement and workforce security in Barcelona’s public transport system. Meanwhile, the city continues to navigate various transport infrastructure challenges affecting both operators and passengers.
Visually, the autonomous bus distinguishes itself with more than a dozen cameras and sensors distributed throughout the vehicle. Additionally, it incorporates electromagnetic field detectors, RGB cameras and thermographic cameras enabling operation in diverse weather conditions.
Consequently, the demonstration raises important questions about the future of public transport employment alongside technological progress. As Barcelona moves toward smarter mobility solutions, balancing innovation with workforce protection remains a critical challenge for urban planners and transport authorities.
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