Driverless shuttle ride offered

A free ride in New Zealand’s first autonomous Smart Shuttle is being offered on February 15 and 16 at Christchurch’s Botanic Gardens.

The Ohmio Lift shuttle owned by Christchurch Airport was developed in partnership with Auckland-based Ohmio Automotion.

“Christchurch Airport’s ongoing autonomous vehicle trial with trial partner Ohmio saw the transition a few months ago to New Zealand’s first Smart Shuttle. This Kiwi-made vehicle is autonomous, electric, 3D printed and can carry up to 15 people,’’ Christchurch Airport chief executive Malcolm Johns says.

The shuttle has been undergoing testing on private roads around the airport but will get a public outing this weekend at the gardens, the Christchurch City Council’s Newsline 

reports.

Between 9.30am and 6.30pm Saturday and Sunday people will be able to take free rides on the shuttle from the old Tea Kiosk, next to the children’s paddling pools and playground.

“We believe the potential benefits of autonomous shuttles are exciting and are pleased to be able put the Smart Shuttle in the centre of the city to continue our learning about people’s interactions with an autonomous vehicle,’’ Johns says.

“It’s an exciting time to ride the future, and we hope many of the city’s residents and visitors take the opportunity to take a ride without a driver.’’

The Christchurch City Council has supported development of the driverless shuttle by giving Ohmio Automotion $50,000 from its Innovation and Sustainability Fund.

“We really appreciate the support and opportunity the Christchurch City Council has given us to showcase the great work we have been doing with Christchurch Airport,’’ Ohmio Automotion chairman Mohammed Hikmet says.