Transport for NSW is seeking expressions of interest from local and international businesses to participate in what it says is an Australia-first on-road trial of automated buses.
The state government is investing $5 million in the Connected and Automated Vehicle (CAV) Bus Trial as it seeks to accelerate the use of autonomous vehicles in the state.
CAV technology involves the use of driverless vehicles that operate via robotics, sensors and advanced automation software.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway says the bus trial will see CAV systems developed and tested on full sized, passenger-carrying buses.
“Expressions of interest are open now, and Transport for NSW is calling on local and international technology leaders to partner with bus manufacturers and transport operators to deliver the trial of on-road connected and automated buses,” he said in a statement.
The state government’s NSW CAV Readiness Strategy sets out a pathway to ensure a CAV-friendly road network, with commercial driverless vehicles expected to hit the streets in less than a decade.
Customer service and digital government minister Victor Dominello says he wants to make NSW an early adopter of CAV technologies.
“Vehicle connectivity and automation are game-changing technological innovations with the potential to sustainably transform the future mobility of people and goods,” Mr Dominello said.
“Globally, these technologies are advancing rapidly and already appearing in vehicles on the market today. We’re putting NSW in the front seat, with a Strategy and funding to back it up to prepare our road network, local industry, and the public for the roll out of this technology.”
Metropolitan roads minister Natalie Ward said the CAV Readiness Strategy outlined six priority areas focused on integrating new technology into the transport system.
“This will include working within the national regulatory framework over the next five years, so we’re ready for the safe commercial deployment of CAVs in Australia,” she said.
“Getting ahead of the game will make it easier to upskill our transport staff so customers have a seamless service when it is officially on our roads.”
NSW is already trialing autonomous vehicle technology including a Coffs Harbour Busbot in northern NSW, in the world’s first fully automated shuttle service in a public setting.
The NSW CAV Readiness Strategy seeks to:
- Test and deploy CAVs on the road network
- Shape CAV policy
- Get the road network ready for CAVs
- Develop physical and digital CAV testing capabilities
- Support freight services automation
- Increase local CAV knowledge and skills
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