21/09/2018

Driverless Electric Bus Launched In Dublin Docklands

A new driverless, electric shuttle bus has been unveiled in Dublin's Dockland's area as part of Dublin City Council's European Mobility Week event.

As part of its 'Smart Docklands' project and in partnership with the Civic Group, Dublin City Council, has presented a "glimpse of the future" of smart and sustainable transport to Dublin.

The Easymile 'EZ10' is a driverless, electric shuttle bus, which can carry up to 15 people. It features a built-in access ramp for passengers with reduced mobility and there is no need for additional road infrastructure to operate the vehicle. The vehicle has 'state of the art' smart technologies with advanced cameras, processors and sensors that enable the trip to run smoothly. The 'EZ10' is currently in daily operation at locations in the US, Holland, China and Estonia and is expanding globally.

The bus was is said to have spent yesterday, Thursday 20 September, "learning" its route in the north quays in Dublin, where it will travel between the Convention Centre to the Three Arena. The shuttle route will run for nearly one kilometre with 4 stops.

Members of the pubic where invited to take a free trip on the bus between 2pm and 5pm today, Friday 21 September and between 11am and 5pm tomorrow, Saturday, 22 September.

There will also be a showcase of new transport services such as shared bikes, e-bikes, electric scooters and car clubs.

In particular cycling will play a key role in the future of transport with the City Council hosting the global cycling conference VeloCity in 2019 at the Convention Centre Dublin, which is the location of the first stop on the EZ10 route.

Speaking ahead of the event, Owen Keegan, Chief Executive, Dublin City Council said: "Dublin City Council through its 'Smart City' programme and the 'Smart Docklands' testbed district is encouraging a debate on the future of transport and mobility in the city. With the rapid pace of technology change there is a wide range of innovative sustainable transport opportunities.

"The traditional models of commuting will expand to incorporate a whole range of shared transport options including the use of shared bikes, electric scooters, car clubs and new on demand autonomous shuttle services such as the EasyMile shuttle. This is likely to be especially the case in relation to the last mile of journeys. We are delighted to give local residents and Dubliners the opportunity to see and test the future of city transport."

(MH/LM)

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