Taken on November 9, 2017, this photo shows Germany's first self-driving public bus on the roads of Bad Birnbach, a town in Bavaria. /Xinhua Photo

It was put into use on October 25, running a 700-meter route between the town center and local hot spring resorts. /Xinhua Photo

With the help of sensors, lasers and GPS systems, the vehicle is able to navigate itself and automatically stop, but it cannot bypass roadblocks.

A staff is on-board to give safety instructions if necessary. /Xinhua Photo

With six seats and six stations, it provides free rides every half an hour between 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. every day. /Xinhua Photo

In May, Germany drew up rules which allow self-driving cars on roads, but not driverless cars, as it requires a driver ready to take control at any time. /Xinhua Photo