City Of Newcastle Launches Driver-less Shuttle Trial

Described as level four autonomy, the fully self-driving vehicle is now available to ride along Wharf Rd on Weekdays between 10AM-2PM.

Funded by the ‘Smart Cities’ program the trial will run for three months.

The zero-emissions vehicle has a seating capacity for eleven people and is fully accessible.

Extra safety precautions are taken to ensure safety during the Covid-19 pandemic, including regular deep cleans and limiting seating capacity to three guests and a chaperone.

During the trial, a chaperone will always be on board ready to take manual control if needed.

The vehicle is fitted with lap belts which must be worn by passengers at all times.