Vicinity Motor launches its first automated transit bus at Sleeping Bear national park
Vicinity Motor, a North American supplier of commercial electric vehicles, has launched its first public deployment of a Vicinity Autonomous Lightning Electric Transit Bus in partnership with automated driving software platform provider ADASTEC at Michigan’s Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, beginning service on Wednesday, August 14th, 2024.
As announced by Michigan Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist at a launch event at the Michigan State Capitol Building yesterday, through a National Park Service Mobility Challenge Program grant, ADASTEC and Vicinity will deploy an automated, electric low-floor, accessible transit bus that will transport passengers along a 4.1-mile route on Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
The deployment – supported by federal funding – aims to study how the next generation of automated bus technology performs in an outdoor recreational setting. The vehicle will be available for public use and is free to riders with a 7-day, annual or lifetime NPS pass during its deployment period.
The partnership brings together Vicinity’s expertise in medium-duty, accessible, fully electrified low-floor transit vehicles with ADASTEC’s SAE Level-4 automated driving software platform, flowride.ai.
Vicinity automated transit buses are capable of responding in real-time to changing passenger demands, with capabilities such as flexible routing and dynamic scheduling.
This initial deployment aims to demonstrate how automated, electric transit buses can significantly enhance traffic safety and reduce congestion in areas with high visitation rates.
Brent Phillips, president of Vicinity Motor, says: “We at Vicinity Motor are absolutely thrilled to have an Autonomous Vicinity Lighting bus in federally funded service at such a prominent site, representing what we believe could be the future of public transportation in time.
“I would like to thank our valued automation partners at ADASTEC, whose advanced automated driving software platform makes our first SAE Level-4 automated bus deployments such as this possible.”
Dr Ali Peker, CEO of ADASTEC, says: “We are proud to partner with Vicinity Motor and the National Park Service to deploy our SAE Level-4 automated driving software, flowride.ai, at the iconic Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
“The first automated bus compliant with FMVSS regulations, this deployment aims to showcase how automated transit can enhance safety, efficiency, and environmental sustainability in public transportation.”
Cemre Kavvasoglu, product management director, North America at ADASTEC, says: “The deployment of the first SAE Level-4 automated bus at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a significant milestone for us.
“This project exemplifies how innovative partnerships can bring advanced technology to public transit, enhancing both the passenger experience and operational efficiency. We are committed to driving forward the future of transportation with solutions that prioritize safety, sustainability, and accessibility.”
Phillips says: “We look forward to working closely with the Sleeping Bear Dunes team and ADASTEC, as well as future automated bus deployment partners in the months to come, as we seek to revolutionize the future of transportation with next-generation solutions that are safer, more efficient and lower-cost.”
