First trial of an automated vehicle in a regional city in Australia

Coffs Harbour was the first regional city in Australia to be home to the trial of an automated vehicle.  It was only the second location in NSW to trial an automated vehicle, following the first which operated in Sydney Olympic Park.

Three phases increasing in complexity enabled real world lessons

The trial had three phases, each one teaching us more about automated vehicle technology and how it will benefit our local communities.

The vehicle was placed in more complex environments as the trial moved along, with strict safety milestones needing to be met before the trial progressed to each stage.

Tested future transport solutions for regional communities

Coffs Harbour demonstrated leadership in promoting transport innovation in regional centres. Local input into future planning of connected and automated vehicles helped to determine if automated vehicles are the answer to regional transport challenges.

Collaborative trial through industry partnership

The trial was a NSW Government initiative, led in partnership between Transport for NSW, local bus operator Busways, Coffs Harbour City Council and vehicle manufacturer EasyMile.

Community engagement facilitated meaningful input

A range of community engagement activities and platforms facilitated input from a broad spectrum of the local community and visitors to inform lessons on the role technology can play to improve parking, congestion, filling transport service gaps, linking key precincts and creating more vibrant local places.

Australian firsts took place in Coffs Harbour

There were a number of Australian firsts the trial introduced, including the integration of new technologies between the vehicle and infrastructure, testing On Demand technology, and the first trial to be held in a retirement village. It was the first automated shuttle bus worldwide with no attendant on board.