Described as level four autonomy, the fully self-driving vehicle is now available to ride along Wharf Rd on Weekdays between 10AM-2PM.
Funded by the ‘Smart Cities’ program the trial will run for three months.
The zero-emissions vehicle has a seating capacity for eleven people and is fully accessible.
Extra safety precautions are taken to ensure safety during the Covid-19 pandemic, including regular deep cleans and limiting seating capacity to three guests and a chaperone.
During the trial, a chaperone will always be on board ready to take manual control if needed.
The vehicle is fitted with lap belts which must be worn by passengers at all times.
![Exterior photo shows the front of the Newcastle Driverless Shuttle.](https://matthew.media/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/img_1341-1-1024x683.jpg)
![Touchscreen interface of the Newcastle Driverless Shuttle.](https://matthew.media/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/img_1342-1024x683.jpg)