Regional NSW will have a say in the NSW Government’s planning for automated vehicles, as the government trials driverless shuttles in Coffs Harbour.
The 12-month trial will commence before the end of 2018. It includes three phases with gradually increasing levels of complexity to test the vehicles in real world situations:
- Phase 1: A shuttle service travelling to Muttonbird Island, operating on the Northern Breakwall connecting Coffs Harbour International Marina and Muttonbird Island.
- Phase 2: The shuttle will move to Marion Grove Retirement Village.
- Phase 3: Operate on Harbour Drive in Coffs Harbour CBD, helping people travel between precincts and transport links.
The shuttle carries up to 12 passengers at a time. A shuttle supervisor will be on board at all times to ensure passenger safety.
The government is also planning an automated vehicle trial in Armidale.
Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Andrew Constance said the government is currently trialling the state’s first fully automated vehicle at Sydney Olympic Park.
“We’ll be implementing what we’ve already learnt from Olympic Park but this trial will be tailored to Coffs Harbour helping deliver improved transport solutions for regional NSW as we prepare our communities for the future,” Mr Constance said.