RESIDENTS and visitors to a Riverland town have been encouraged to use – and provide feedback on – a unique bus service before its trial period ends.
Renmark Paringa Council last week announced the trial period of the Riverland’s driverless bus – also known as Murray – would end on June 30, following a focus group session regarding the service held at the Renmark Club last month
A Department for Infrastructure and Transport (DIT) spokesperson said the majority of passengers had been visitors to Renmark.
“The free service offers tourists access to a number of the Renmark hotspots along the 2.4km loop, including the Renmark Club, the Renmark Hotel, local services, eateries, and more,” the spokesperson said.
“Survey results indicate that 77 per cent of passengers are tourists, out of 239 passengers surveyed, and 96 per cent of those passengers report a positive ride experience.
“As it is a trial, it’s also important to note that 78 per cent of passengers have a better perception of driverless vehicles after using the service.”
The spokesperson said concerns had been raised during the focus group session regarding the access to timetables for the service.
“As it is a trial, we expect some level of learning to be achieved,” the spokesperson said.
“Some participants at the forum noted their perception of the service as a permanent fixture rather than a temporary trial, while others commented on the difficulty of the service in aiming to provide for (both) tourists and residents.
“We aim to address the concerns that can be immediately rectified through collaborative action by the trial project partners… and the on-ground service chaperones.”
On-road testing of the driverless bus – run in partnership by DIT and EzyMile – began in Renmark in June 2019.
The spokesperson said public consultation would be vital to the service’s continued development.
“Passenger feedback is essential to gauge the viability of the service model and community acceptance of the technology, as the perception of automated driving technology is considered a common barrier to the uptake of future technology,” the spokesperson said.
“Feedback received from participants will contribute to trial findings and key learnings that will inform future trials, the development of technology, and other future developments including regulatory frameworks.”
Further information regarding Renmark’s driverless bus trial can be found by visiting the website (www.renmarkparinga.sa.gov.au/community/community/driverlessbus).