Following on from successfully partnering with EasyMile on the Australian Integrated Multimodal System (AIMES) project in Victoria, WSP has signed a national agreement with EasyMile to work together to explore and deliver on a range of projects across the region.
The first example of the partnership is being delivered in Armidale, where WSP have teamed with EasyMile as well as Transport for NSW, Armidale Regional Council, University of NSW and Transdev, to advise on the deployment of automated buses over a 12-month period with a possibility to extend for an additional 12 months.
WSP are providing services including, route selection, route feasibility and safety, safety assurance, systems engineering and finally compilation of a white paper summarising the trial and potential commercial use opportunities in the future.
According to Scott Benjamin, WSP’s Technical Director for Intelligent Transport, “We have been focused on the automated journey since the very beginning. WSP need to be a part of the evolution of this innovative transport initiative. Close working relationships with innovative companies like EasyMile are vital to our evolution and getting the outcomes we need for our cities and regions”
“The EasyMile bus will allow the people of Armidale to experience the future of transport with this introduction of highly automated vehicle technology. This partnership is a great example of how collaboration helps regional societies thrive sustainably.”
The EasyMile EZ10 driverless shuttle bus combines the benefits and flexibility of technology with the economy of group transportation. It:
- Is an 100% driverless electric vehicle
- Carries up to 15 passengers
- Includes an in-built access ramp for mobility-challenged passengers
- Operates on fixed or on-demand routes
- Is supervised by EasyMile’s fleet management software
- Operates on existing roadways with no additional infrastructure required.
EasyMile supplies smart mobility solutions and autonomous technologies powering driverless vehicles, with its EZ10 driverless shuttle already deployed in 20 countries across Asia-Pacific, Middle-East, North America and Europe.
Mr Benjamin adds, “It’s important for us to continue extending the ground-breaking work we are undertaking across Australia to facilitate the multimodal transport systems of the future, to solve the unique transport challenges faced in regional areas, including reduction of private vehicle use and improved public transport access across large university campuses and improved accessibility in and around regional CBDs.”
Graham Pointer, WSP’s Key Account Manager for Planning and Strategy echoes this, “Automated vehicle technologies have the potential to improve the day-to-day lives of people in regional communities. They can help to improve access for people to get into town centres while improving safety outcomes. That is why it is so exciting to play such a key role in this trial.”
Greg Giraud, Managing Director for EasyMile ANZ adds “Armidale is the most complex project we have worked on and a prime example of a successful collaborative approach. This is a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate how driverless vehicles can provide new transport solutions and address public transport challenges in regional Australia. We look forward to continuing partnering with WSP on many more projects to come.”
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