Level 4 autonomous shuttle public trial held; free rides for residents begin on the 16th
Anyang city announced it will introduce a driverless Level 4 autonomous shuttle to residents starting on the 16th of this month. The shuttle will be the first of its kind among local governments to operate without a driver's seat.
The city held a pre-launch ride on the 10th. Mayor Choi Dae-ho, Vice Mayor Lee Gye-sam and Han Ji-hyung, CEO of Autonomous A2G Co., attended to test the new autonomous driving technology.
Participants traveled a roughly 4 km (2.5-mile) route from City Hall, past Beomgye Station, to the Smart City Integrated Center. The ride lasted about 30 minutes. The shuttle seats nine, has a top speed of 40 km/h (about 25 mph), and is equipped with multiple sensors, a communications-based autonomous driving system and real-time monitoring technology.
To address emergencies, one safety manager will be on board during operations. Residents can reserve free test rides in advance through the city's integrated reservation website.
Mayor Choi Dae-ho said Anyang, as a leader in autonomous driving, wants residents to be among the first to feel the shift to smart mobility. “The city will continue to pursue transportation innovation so this advanced technology becomes a routine part of public transit,” he said.
Anyang began autonomous public transit services in April 2024 and was the only local government to receive an A grade—the top rating—in the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport's Autonomous Vehicle Pilot Operation Evaluation.
The city was also selected two years running for the ministry's Autonomous Vehicle Pilot Zone Support program and secured national funding of ₩450,000,000 (about $337,500). Using those resources, it plans to expand autonomous services in phases.
A new Level 4 shuttle will operate between Gwanak Station and Anyang Art Park. Starting this April, the city will extend the existing daytime route to Pyeongchon Elfroud Apartments to improve residents' access to public transit.
Anyang's shuttle rollout aims to lead smart-transport innovation and give residents a new public-transit experience. Officials say the technology should boost efficiency and enhance safety.
Anyang — Seung-sik Lee, Reporter thankslee57@viva100.com
