The driverless Navya shuttle at the Sydney Olympic Park has started its first trial, as it will deliver passengers with free rides until the end of 2018. 

The driverless shuttle is electric and self-guiding. It has the capacity to carry up to 12 passengers and travel up to 40 kilometres per hour.

Also, it is equipped with front and rear cameras and emergency breaks. 

Currently the trial is at Stage 2 of the project, operating in a closed section of the Sydney Olympic Park. 

As the trial continues and moves to Stage 3, the shuttle will focus on servicing wider parts of the Sydney Olympic Park precinct by transporting officer workers, residents and other precinct workers by early 2019. 

“I’m very excited to see passengers on these vehicles. We know self-driving cars will play a major role in the future and that’s the future we’re preparing for right now,” Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Minister Andrew Constance said. 

“We want to bring customers along on the journey, giving them the opportunity to experience this technology and respond to the vehicle so we can implement the feedback as we work towards a connected and automated future,” Mr Constance said. 

He added that the ultimate goal of this trial is to find the best way to harness the next generation of driverless technology and make it work for the NSW residents. 

If members of the public wishes to book limited free rides of the NSW Smart Shuttle, they can register at: https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects/programs/smart-innovation-centre/projects-0/nsw-automated-shuttle-trial.