Keolis and Navya take a new step in autonomous mobility with the entry into service of their first shuttle without an onboard safety operator, in Châteauroux, France
Since June 22th, 2020, the shuttle new-generation “Autonom® Shuttle Evo” has been in service at the CNTS, where is located the Keolis Autonomous Mobility Test Site, allowing athletes and visitors to use the shuttle service from the parking lot to the reception area and shooting areas during competitions.With a length of 1.6 km, the shuttle runs at a maximum speed close to 15 km/h. It operates in a closed site within mixed traffic, including one stop sign and intersections. To optimize the shuttle’s integration with its surroundings and to operate safely into its environment, the infrastructure of the site has been accommodated with visual signage such as panels, and special traffic rules have been established.This launch is a decisive step towards the development of a multimodal offer that integrates Level 4 fully self-driving vehicles, which provide real autonomy without an onboard safety operator under certain conditions, while ensuring the safety of passengers and other road users.