Transport for NSW has announced that a trial of an automated vehicle in Armidale has entered stage two and is now being tested carrying passengers.
A Transport for NSW spokesperson invited locals and visitors to “experience the future” of driverless transportation.
“What we are experiencing today is an Australian-first, the first automated shuttle to operate in mixed traffic within a city centre,” the spokesperson said.
“The automated shuttle, better known as ARDi has made the move from its former home at University of New England to Armidale CBD, with phase two of the trial specifically operating a new route.”
The spokesperson said residents were encouraged to take the opportunity to experience the vehicle first hand and jump aboard from any of the four designated stops at Town Hall, Old Courthouse, The Mall Arcade or New England Hotel.
“We already know this technology has the potential to increase safety, improve productivity and help make people more mobile, but we need to keep trialling [it] in different environments to get the best local outcomes.”
“The vehicle will be moving at slow speeds but it’s still important both drivers and pedestrians look out for ARDi and proceed with care.”
Stage two of the ARDi trial is expected to run for a minimum of two months.
