Driverless Bus Trial in SA

A driverless bus trial is providing an easier way of getting to the Lyell McEwin Hospital for staff and visitors.

French driverless vehicle manufacturer EasyMile has partnered with SAGE Automation based at Tonsley and City of Playford, to operate an autonomous shuttle bus as a FREE service to transport people from the Lionsgate (former Holden) car park, on the corner of Oldham Road and Philip Highway, to the regional health precinct.

The trial is supported by the South Australian Government’s Future Mobility Lab Fund and is aimed at trialling the research and deployment of autonomous vehicle technologies.  This is the only trial in South Australia being operated on public roads with mixed-use traffic conditions (including trucks, emergency vehicles, pedestrians, cars and public buses).

The six-month trial supports Council’s Smart City strategy and is an important addition to the regional Health Precinct project, addressing parking issues in the area.

The trial has been in service since October 2018 and has received a positive response from passengers and the community.

A second stage of the project will move the shuttle to provide a service that links a transport interchange to a shopping centre and community facilities. 

Project partners include, Easy Mile, the SA Government, SAGE Automation and the City of Playford.

More information:

• The bus stops at regular points along Oldham Road, reaches the hospital and then follows the route back.
• It operates Monday to Friday (except public holidays) from 8.30am to 11.30am and 1.55pm to 5pm.
• The bus services each pick-up/drop-off point approximately every 20 minutes.
• It can carry up to 12 people.
• The shuttle is operating within traffic at speeds of up to 20km/h, with a safety operator who will talk to passengers about the service, technology and their user experience.