As part of a five-year trial of autonomous vehicle technology, a driverless public electric shuttle called the Flinders Express (FLEX) has begun operating on public roads in South Australia for the first time.

The vehicle, which is funded by the State Government and industry partners, will initially provide ‘first mile–last mile’ shuttle services, then connections to bus stops on the main South Road and businesses within the Tonsley precinct.

Within a year, the shuttle is expected to run to the Flinders Medical Centre and the University’s Bedford Park campus before using main arterial roads around the entire Bedford Park precinct. During the first stage of the trials, commuters can book free rides on the shuttle on week days from Monday to Friday between 10am and 2pm.

“Demonstrations and trials of these driverless vehicles that involve the community are a really good way of building acceptance of this type of new technology,” says Flinders University Head of Civil Engineering Professor Rocco Zito.

“Our aim is not to prove the technology but rather expose the public to this new type of transport service and learn from their responses and reactions to help driverless vehicles gain general acceptance.”

The FLEX vehicle is a Navya Arma electric shuttle. Capable of carrying up to 15 passengers, the vehicle can travel at speeds of up to 25 miles per hour, but it will travel up to 18 miles per hour during the trial. An on-board chaperone will manage FLEX during the trial, to inform users of the technology, and to ensure safe operations.  

The vehicle will be docked within a six bay solar recharge garage, which is expected to be constructed within two months. The public will have access to the solar garage, so that people can recharge their own electric vehicles for free.