WA Autonomous vehicle trial

The Western Australian Government this week has announced that a staged trial of a driverless and fully electronic shuttle bus will take place in the state this year.

Western Australian Transport Minister Dean Nalder released a statement and said the Department of Transport was working closely with RAC to ensure compliance with road and vehicle safety standards while they trialled an autonomous shuttle bus.

The shuttle bus has been developed by NAVYA SAS, a French company specialising in intelligent transport systems. It can transport up to 15 passengers and has a maximum speed of 45kmh with an average speed of 25kmh.

“It is not a matter of if this technology will come to WA, but when it will, and that time is fast approaching.  Initially, the trials will be conducted at RAC’s driving centre, but eventually the shuttle will take to Perth roads,” Mr. Nalder said in the statement.

The Minister said the Department of Transport was working with the RAC to identify the routes on Perth roads where the trials would take place.

“It is important Western Australians are aware this technology is not confined to Hollywood blockbusters, but is actually coming to Perth,” he continued.

“To ensure we are working towards providing the best integrated and intelligent transport services and solutions for the state, it is important to trial new innovative modes of transport, and this is one of those modes.”

These types of vehicles are being tested and trialled in other countries and have autonomous features such as radar cruise control and lane detection warning systems.

“Another of the safety features of the shuttle bus is its multi-sensor technology, providing 3D perception that allows it to map the environment, detect obstacles on the road and interpret traffic signs,” he said.

Mr. Nalder said the Western Australian Government would benefit from the partnering between RAC and the Department of Transport, as experts from both worked together on this important transport project.