Victoria announces first driverless bus now running in Australia
Victoria’s first driverless Autonobus, will transport students around La Trobe University in Bundoora.
The Autonobus has brought together world-leading experts in automated vehicle technology in a trial which will help shape Victoria’s transport future.
The trial will run until July 2018, examining all aspects of safety, operations, passenger experience and integration.
The bus will operate along Science Drive at La Trobe University’s Bundoora campus, shuttling travellers from public transport interchanges and carparks and allowing them to hop off close to their destination.
The Labor Government has invested $375,000 to support the trial through the Smarter Journeys Program, with VicRoads experts providing expertise in road safety and transport systems.
The trial will also bring together La Trobe University, Keolis Downer, HMI Technologies, ARRB and the RACV.
The Autonobus is equipped with advanced sensor systems that can detect objects with incredibly fast response times and has gone through rigorous testing before taking passengers.
While Autonobus is designed as an automated, driverless shuttle, it will be supervised by an operator at all times who can take over if required. This human operator will also monitor the trial of the vehicle and its operations.
During the trial testing phase, customers can register to ride the Autonobus at www.Latrobe.edu.au/autonobus.
Minister for Roads and Road Safety Luke Donnellan. said: “Automated vehicles will revolutionise the way we travel, that’s why we’re investing in trials that explore ways technology can be used to reduce congestion and keep people safe on our roads.”
“This work builds on our other investments in this dynamic research space –it’s the next step in the transformation of the way we travel.”
VicRoads Director of Transport Futures Stuart Ballingall, said: “The learnings from this project will assist VicRoads in understanding how automated vehicles will interact with other road users, and will inform our regulatory and operational frameworks to support their safe operation.”
“Involvement in real-world trials enables us to learn by doing, and to adapt and change Victoria’s transport policies and operations to best support future mobility solutions.”
