Vicinity – Adastec to begin a 45-days pilot of automated bus in Michigan

Autonomous driving technology provider Adastec announces the deployment of the first Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant automated bus at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, in Michigan, in partnership with Vicinity and ARIBO, an AV advisor supporting the project. Collaboration between Adastec, also partner of Karsan concerning driverless bus projects, and Vicinity was signed in late 2023.

The bus will be deployed on a 45-day pilot starting from mid-August through late September.

Vicinity – Adastec driverless bus on a trial

This initiative is part of the National Park Service (NPS) Mobility Challenge Program, which aims to develop sustainable mobility solutions for national parks.

The automated, electric, low-floor, accessible transit bus by Adastec and Vicinity is funded through an NPS Mobility Challenge Program grant. The bus will transport passengers along the scenic Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Supported by the State of Michigan, this deployment aims to evaluate advanced automated bus technology in an outdoor recreational environment. Beginning mid-August, visitors can reserve a ride at no cost, though a valid park entrance pass is required.

The automated bus service will run along the 7.4-mile drive five days a week, eight hours per day, with approximately four round trips daily. As a research demonstration project, service details may be adjusted weekly.

Ali Peker, Chief Executive Officer of Adastec, emphasized: “Our mission at Adastec is to solve modern city mobility problems with automated public transportation. This project highlights our focus on providing clean, 24/7 available, accessible, sustainable transportation for all. By partnering with Vicinity Motor Corporation and leveraging our global deployment experience, we are bringing the first low-floor, electric, automated bus that meets FMVSS and ADA requirements to the market.”

Cemre Kavvasoglu, Product Management Director, North America of Adastec, commented: “At Adastec, we are proud to be part of this transformative project at Sleeping Bear Dunes. This deployment not only showcases our commitment to innovation and sustainability but also emphasizes our dedication to enhancing accessibility and environmental conservation in the national parks.”

Brent Phillips, CEO at Vicinity Motor Corp., stated: “Our collaboration with ADASTEC marks a pivotal moment in public transportation. We are excited to witness the first public deployment of the Autonomous Lightning EV, which will significantly enhance mobility solutions in national parks, providing a more sustainable and efficient transportation option for visitors.”