A driverless public transport vehicle will be showcased on the streets of Dublin today as part of European Mobility Week.
The EZ10, an electrically-powered fully autonomous shuttlebus will carry up to 15 passengers along the 1km stretch from Dublin’s Docklands to the 3Arena for the next two days.
The event is part of a showcase titled the Future of Mobility which has been organised by Dublin City Council as part of European Mobility Week.
The vehicle is made by a French manufacturer called EasyMile and has previously driven the streets of Paris, Helsinki, Toledo and London.
The EZ10 has advanced cameras, processors and sensors on board and is designed for a short commute.
It’s capable of operating on existing roadways without any need for changes to infrastructure.
The vehicle was introduced to the north quays area of the city yesterday so it could learn the routes ahead of the weekend.
Members of the public can apply here to be passengers in the vehicle during its stay in Dublin.
Tickets are free but there are only a few remaining for tomorrow’s trips, which take place between 11am and 5pm.
European Mobility Week is a campaign launched by the European Commission 17 years ago with over 2,400 towns and cities from 50 countries holding events to mark this year’s celebration.
Speaking about this week’s events, EU Transport Commissioner Violeta Bulc said: “With this year's edition of the European Mobility Week, we want to encourage everyone to consider different mobility options and select the most appropriate ones for each trip. By mixing the ways we move, we can save time, improve our health, and lower our transport costs. This week is also an opportunity for cities to accelerate this social shift by making sure the right services and infrastructure are in place.”
Karmenu Vella, EU Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, said: “Mixing and moving means supporting a transition to a more human transport system. It means promoting cleaner, more fuel-efficient modes, and more human-powered travel. It’s a great way of keeping the focus at the local level and helping European towns and cities to improve the environmental performance of their transport system. It means cleaner air, quieter cities, and healthier citizens – what’s not to like?”
