Self-driving shuttles approved for test-drives on Danish Technical University
A long-awaited approval from the Danish Road Directorate has just landed in the mailbox of the project group behind the self-driving LINC-shuttles that will run on DTU Lyngby Campus. Nobina, who is responsible for the operation of the self-driving shuttles and has prepared the application to the Danish Road Directorate, welcomes the approval:
It is great that we now have the approval and can make the very last preparations before we have passengers in the self-driving shuttles. We need to map the route that the three shuttles have to run so that they can find their way. Once this has been done, our external security advisor must approve the final test set-up. This is the first time an Easymile shuttle is in operation in Denmark, so it will be exciting when we can run with test passengers in April
Rasmus Noes, Head of Market and Business Development at Nobina Denmark.
Campus is ready for self-driving shuttles
To get DTU Campus Lyngby ready for the three LINC shuttles, the project group behind LINC has already been working for some time to prepare the infrastructure along the route for the self-driving shuttles.
We have set up location signs on Asmussens Allé, which will help the shuttle find its way, as there are few fixed points on that part of the route. In addition, we are in the process of setting up the signs for the six bus stops, just as we have coordinated the route and the test period for the three shuttles, so that it does not coincide with road work in relation to the remodelling of DTU
Anders B. Møller, operations manager at DTU Campus.
Corona challenges researchers’ studies
Because of Corona, it has been quiet on campus and it has been easier to make the necessary infrastructural changes. But the quiet campus is also a challenge for the LINC project, as the researchers in the project have to study the behaviour of test passengers in and around the shuttles.
Driving with the self-driving shuttles at DTU also initiates the researchers' user surveys of how passengers perceive the self-driving shuttles. The studies are, of course, challenged by the fact that most students are currently being taught virtually. That's why we're addressing students and staff right now who, after all, are on campus occasionally and urging them to become test passengers. In time, we hope that the corona-restrictions will be eased so that we can get more test passengers in our LINC shuttles
Kenneth Jørgensen, project manager for LINC in the partnership organization Gate 21
And continues:
As some of the researchers studies look at passengers preferences for transport - even before the test - it is important that test passengers sign up now.
Kenneth Jørgensen
When the self-driving shuttles start running at DTU Campus Lyngby in April, it will be with the current corona restrictions for public transport. This means that passengers must wear masks and that there can only be a limited number of people in the shuttle according to the requirements for distance between people.
Urban mobility
