Springfield Central becomes smarter with their smart buses that drive themselves. The trial period runs from 26 February to 3 March.
Called EasyMile EZ10, the driverless shuttle operates from Orion Lagoon to USQ Springfield.
Everybody is welcome to ride the bus during public demonstration times. Demonstration times are as follows:
Monday-Thursday
- 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
- 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
- 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Friday
- 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Saturday
- 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Designed by French company EasyMile, the EZ10 reaches speeds up to 40 kmh. It has a capacity for 12 people and is accessible for people with disabilities.
The bus is designed to cover short routes that are predefined. It can also detect environmental changes such as cyclists, other vehicles and pedestrians.
Transportation of the Future
USQ Springfield students have already tried riding the bus. The students were very pleased with the ride. Upon experiencing what it could do, they were more eager to see this kind of transportation system in the future.
Australian Electric Infrastructure Transport (AEIT), a Springfield-based manufacturer of driverless electric vehicles, welcomes the EZ10 trial and does not see the driverless shuttle as competition. AEIT is focused on developing a driverless bus in Greater Springfield or a tram public transport system. They aim to launch their transport system by December this year.
