Trial stages
The trial involved a number of stages, with each stage designed to test and evaluate automated vehicle technology in a variety of settings and scenes. Each stage involved increasing levels of complexity, then finally interactions with road users.
Stage 1: Closed stage
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In the first stage of our trial, vehicle commissioning and testing were undertaken in April 2016 on a private track. With no pre-existing guidelines in place, RAC worked hands-on with local specialist technicians and Navya to develop an extensive test plan. We were able to use this stage to observe and record the shuttle's behaviour in autonomous mode.
A comprehensive course was established with merge lanes, a roundabout, a number of obstacles, a give way and controlled stops. The tests were conducted in different conditions, situations and scenarios - either naturally occurring or simulated.
Stage 2: Closed stage on public roads
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During this stage, the shuttle was taken on public roads to commission and verify the selected route.
Operating RAC Intellibus® on public roads was a complicated process, involving a number of critical steps such as selecting a route, gaining Special Permit approvals, risk assessments, road safety audits and in-operation reviews, identifying traffic management arrangements and delivery of a community communications campaign.
Stage 3: On public roads
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The third and public stage in South Perth officially began on 1st September 2016. The route was comprised of three phases including increasingly complex traffic conditions. This included increasing levels of interaction with different types of road users, traffic signs, traffic lights, right turn manoeuvres and traffic flows.
Stage three invited members of the public to visit the RAC Intellibus® Hub and experience a 30 minute ride on the shuttle along the South Perth foreshore.
Stage 4: End of trial
The RAC Intellibus® trial ended on 30th June 2023, after seven years operating on public roads in South Perth, Busselton and Geraldton.
The RAC Intellibus® travelled more than 38,000kms, giving more than 28,000 passengers the chance to experience automated vehicle technology first-hand. Through a public trial of a level 4 automated vehicle, we learned about the strengths and limitations of automated vehicle technology, including how it integrates with existing roads and city infrastructure.
You can read more about some of the RAC Intellibus® major milestones below.
This project received funding from the Australian Government.
