Transport NSW – Leading emerging technologies

Transport for NSW leading the development and deployment of emerging technology

Globally, transport services and the way we move are being transformed by data and technology.

We are seeing a significant advancement in mobility technologies such as automated vehicles (AVs) and connected and automated vehicles (CAVs). Transport for NSW recognise the need to understand how these technologies can operate safely and efficiently on our mass transit network. That’s why we are developing long-term strategies and making record investments in transport infrastructure, services, and technology. We are leading the development and exploration of customer mobility products and services, and our work on CAV use and enablement form part of this journey.

In the final stage of the trial the Coffs Harbour BusBot travelled through the North Coast Botanic Gardens without an on-board driver.

Who are we?

The Transport for NSW Future Mobility team work to demonstrate the feasibility of new and emerging technology by executing research, developing strategies, and conducting trials. We work collaboratively with industry and academia to demonstrate future mobility technology and provide the space for partners to test and develop this technology. Our mission is to introduce new products and services that improve our transport ecosystem and provide safer, sustainable, and reliable outcomes for customers. One of our most recent CAV projects is the Dubbo Smart Ute project – A partnership between Transport for NSW, Conigital, Liftango, NRMA, QBE, BusLines, and Dubbo Regional Council. In the project a Ford Ranger has been converted by Conigital into a level 3 automated vehicle. The project will focus on customer mobility use cases and further investigate the benefits and challenges involved in introducing emerging CAV technology to regional and rural NSW. Learnings derived from the project will build on our existing research from automated shuttle trials at Armidale, Coffs Harbour and Newcastle.

We own Australia’s next world-class testing and research facility at Cudal, NSW and it’s our on-site team and resources that are helping make regional NSW a focal point for future mobility technology. The Future Mobility Testing and Research Centre offers a 1.6km open road runway, warehouse facilities, CAV testing equipment, and additional transport infrastructure. Our on-site engineers regularly perform safety and assurance testing of automated vehicle technology including automated emergency braking, lane keep assist, and speed assist systems. Future plans for the facility including 5G integration will allow technicians to test and refine emerging technologies such as vehicle-to-traffic signal communications and complex vehicle-to-vehicle systems.

Our involvement with Formula SAE-A

Transport for NSW is proudly sponsoring Formula SAE-A February 2022 competition. At Transport for NSW we are committed to supporting the growth of the future mobility sector and fostering industry and community engagement. Through our involvement with Formula SAE-A we are helping create the next innovators and leaders for future transport. During the event we invite all event attendees including students, teachers, and other technology SMEs to visit us at our booth. The Transport for NSW Future Mobility booth will be open during the event careers expo. Formula SAE-A will release a full event schedule and more information on the careers expo leading up to the event.

More information and working with us

We want to partner with industry, communities, and researchers to deliver successful outcomes and reinforce NSW as a global leader in transport technology. If you want to learn more about our facility or you are interested in working with us, please visit our website and/or email us: future.mobility@transport.nsw.gov.au