Novocastrians Invited to Take a Ride on New Driverless Shuttle

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Novocastrians can now catch a ride along Wharf Road on the City's new driverless shuttle as it starts a trial in live traffic conditions over the next three months.

The automated shuttle will offer free trips for up to three people at a time between the Watt Street roundabout and Nobbys Beach every weekday.

The shuttle is fully electric and can detect obstacles, measure its own movement, and determine its route through the use of sensors, cameras, and an onboard computer.

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen says the trial, part of the five million dollar Newcastle Smart City Strategy, will further the City's efforts in developing sustainable transport options.

"Although the shuttle has a capacity of eleven seats plus the shuttle chaperone, operator Keolis Downer will implement safety measures to limit the spread of COVID-19 - doors will open automatically, hand sanitizer will be available onboard, and customers will be required to register before riding the shuttle," Cr Clausen said.

Image credit: https://newcastlesdriverlessshuttle.com.au/

Newcastle Driverless Vehicle

BY KYLE CARROLL

A driverless vehicle is set to operate for the first time ever on Newcastle roads from next year.

The city of Newcastle is seeking proposals from qualified operators who'll run the technology, which is expected to carry 12 people at a time.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the trial will cement Newcastle as a leader for testing emerging technologies, and further confirm our smart city status.

"This project provides yet another great opportunity to showcase Newcastle’s smart city initiatives to a national and international audience."

The autonomous shuttle would take people around Newcastle Harbour and the city's other scenic areas.

The trial will run for at least a year as part of the Newcastle Smart City Strategy, which received $5m funding through the Federal Government’s Smart Cities and Suburbs program last year.

“Our vision is to be a smart, liveable and sustainable global city by 2030," the Lord Mayor said.

Driverless Vehicle. Image: iMOVE CRC