The driverless Smart Shuttle has taken its first passengers for a ride at Sydney Olympic Park, with free rides continuing until the end of 2018.
The Navya shuttle is fully electric and self-guiding. It can carry up to 12 passengers and travels up to 40 kilometres per hour with front and rear cameras, GPS and emergency brakes.
The trial is part of a growing portfolio of automated vehicle trials in NSW. It explores how the technology will improve the safety and mobility of customers in metropolitan and regional areas.
In early 2019, stage three of the Shuttle trial will focus on servicing parts of the Sydney Olympic Park precinct by testing a variety of uses including transporting office workers, residents and other precinct workers.
Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Minister Andrew Constance said the ultimate goal of this landmark trial is to find the best way to harness the next generation of driverless technology and how to make it work for the people of NSW.
“I’m very excited to see passengers on these vehicles. We know self-driving cars will play a major role in the future and that’s the future we’re preparing for right now,” Mr Constance said.
“We want to bring customers along on the journey, giving them the opportunity to experience this technology and respond to the vehicle so we can implement the feedback as we work towards a connected and automated future.”
The shuttle will continue to operate on Sydney Olympic Boulevard, with members of the public able to book limited free rides.