Why driverless buses in Victoria could be just around the corner

VICTORIAN academics believe the state is ready for driverless technology and have called for more action after the successful trial of an autonomous bus on local roads.

VICTORIAN academics believe the state is ready for driverless technology and have called for more action after the successful trial of an autonomous bus on local roads.

La Trobe University will on Thursday release a report into the emerging technology after a successful trial of a self-driving bus at its Bundoora campus.

GREEN LIGHT FOR FIRST DRIVERLESS BUS

MELB LANDMARK THROWING OFF DRIVERLESS CARS

DRIVERLESS CARS TO BE TRIALLED ON OUR ROADS

Victorian academics believe the state is ready for driverless technology. Picture: Ellen Smith

The vehicle, known as an autonobus, ferried hundreds of students over the space of a year, with passengers able to choose their destination in the campus using a computer screen.

The project was partly funded by the Victorian Government’s Smarter Journeys Program was a collaboration between VicRoads, RACV, Keolis Downer, HMI and ARRB.

Researchers found the bus performed well above expectations in complex environments and could easily be rolled out across Australia in an effort to decrease congestion.

Keolis Downer CEO David Franks said the results showed self-driving technology was ready to be introduced now rather than the distant future.

“The trial demonstrated autonomous buses can and should play an important role in the mobility mix as a complementary service to existing public transport,” he said.

“We now have the data to show they can operate safely within complex environments and that there is strong public support for them.

The touchscreen on board La Trobe University's self-driving bus.

Fiona Kelleher, Luke Scicluna, Melanie Edgar and Sara Regan on a autonobus. Picture: Ellen Smith

“All levels of governments and the private sector must work together to ensure we have the right infrastructure and regulatory systems in place to facilitate the deployment of autonomous vehicles and ensure they are integrated into the planning process for transport and urban developments.”

The report recommends governments begin planning for autonomous vehicles in infrastructure projects and invest in education to prepare communities for the technology.

HMI Technologies CEO Dean Zabrieszach said the driverless bus passed every test that researchers provided.

“The vehicle was put through rigorous safety, technical, operational and passenger testing on a pre-programmed route, interacting with pedestrians, cars, buses and cyclists,” he said.

“No other trial in Australia has tested an autonomous vehicle of this type in such a dense urban location.

“We have demonstrated that it can be done — safely, without incident and in compliance with road safety laws.

Director of La Trobe’s Centre for Technology Infusion, Professor Ani Desai, said passengers had also provided vital feedback on the project.

“It’s clear from the results of the trial that autonomous buses are already close to reality in transport users’ minds,” he said.

“Critically, the study also indicated that potential customers would be willing to pay a fair price for such a service.”