Driverless Shuttles in Quebec’s Public Transit Connectivity Project
Keolis Canada, NAVYA and URBIS join forces to implement Quebec’s first pilot project in Les Moulins RCM
MONTREAL, May 16, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ – After unveiling the NAVYA autonomous electric shuttle at the UITP Global Public Transport Summit, Keolis Canada, in collaboration with NAVYA and URBIS, is pleased to announce that a one-year pilot project may soon be undertaken in the RCM of Les Moulins to complement the region’s existing public transit network.
Urbis is the public transit arm of Les Moulins RCM, which operates public bus, shared taxi and para-transit services in the municipalities of Mascouche and Terrebonne.
Steps are being taken with the appropriate Quebec authorities to accelerate implementation of the initiative, which will see shuttles added to the initial and final stages of an existing route.
AV in Transit First-mile/Last-mile Connectivity
The type trial would strongly resemble the NAVLY project being tested this year in the Confluence eco-district of Lyon, France. In September 2016, the Keolis Group and NAVYA jointly launched the world’s first autonomous electric shuttle service in Lyon. Keolis Canada, NAVYA and URBIS share the same public transport vision and understand the importance of protecting the environment and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Ideally aligned with this vision, the autonomous electric shuttle, which offers both an ecological and flexible solution, represents brand new means of transport for citizens and complements the existing driver services.
“The enthusiasm being shown for this autonomous electric shuttle project in Canada has greatly surpassed our expectations, and we’re delighted with the results to date,” said Patrick Gilloux, President and Chief Operating Officer of Keolis Canada. “We’ve long believed that electric vehicles represent the future of public transport and have type-trialled a number of them in the Les Moulins RCM region in recent years. The addition of an autonomous electric shuttle as a pilot project to complement this offer is the next logical step, and we look forward to confirming the details with you.”
“This pilot project reinforces the vision of the city of Terrebonne and its GHG reduction policies,” added Stéphane Berthe, Mayor of Terrebonne, President of URBIS and acting Reeve of Les Moulins RCM. “Recently, the city adopted a new policy for the acquisition of energy-efficient vehicles and installation of infrastructures, such as charging stations. NAVYA also aligns with the sustainable development plan of the city of Mascouche. This new strategy will enable us to offer improved service to our clientele.”
“NAVYA is proud to contribute to the development of the new, innovative urban transit model that our transport partners at Keolis Canada and URBIS plan to launch in Quebec. Dynamic districts such as Urbanova in Les Moulins RCM are perfect for the NAVYA ARMA, as it enables people to travel easily and safely, while reducing both traffic and pollution,” stated Christophe Sapet, CEO of NAVYA.
With a capacity of 15 passengers and operating at a speed of approximately 25 km/hr, the autonomous electric shuttle facilitates access and travel, saving time for both public transit users and passengers on private sites. Ideal for urban areas and specific locations such as airports, industrial facilities, amusement parks, hotel complexes and hospitals, it has been designed and developed to improve the performance of businesses and organizations by streamlining the flow of movement along the initial and final stages of a route.
SOURCE Keolis Canada
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