February 2, 2022 Update:
The Whitby Autonomous Electric Vehicle (WAVE) shuttle project has now concluded. Durham Region Transit has issued the following release.
December 17, 2021 Update:
In response to the December 16 collision involving the Whitby Autonomous Electric Vehicle (WAVE), Durham Region Transit has issued the following statement. Shuttle service has been suspended until a full investigation has been completed.
Residents of Whitby, Ontario can now become the first in North America to ride an autonomous (self-driving) electric shuttle that integrates smart infrastructure along the route to help create safer roads for pedestrians, transit customers and other drivers.
Public ridership for the Whitby Autonomous Vehicle Electric (WAVE) shuttle pilot project has begun. View the full route schedule information here.
The shuttle route
The six-kilometre shuttle route begins and ends at the Whitby GO Transit station, making a loop through the Port Whitby area (in south Whitby).
The shuttle service is integrated into the existing Durham Region Transit (DRT) schedule as Route 300. The shuttle operates weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. in off-peak times to minimize traffic impact on the community, and on weekends between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Want to know how you can ride the WAVE? View the full route schedule information here.
Project goals
This pilot project is being undertaken by various partners to learn about how automated technologies can contribute to safer, more sustainable and connected transit and traffic operations.
The pilot is the first time in Canada that an autonomous shuttle and smart infrastructure is fully integrated into an existing transit service – as DRT Route 300 – providing the opportunity to assess the operational, financial and customer service benefits and implications of these technologies in community transit.
The pilot will also help to inform the physical and digital transportation infrastructure necessary to prepare for autonomous vehicles on public roads in Canada.
Safety is the top priority
With
Smart Torch safety as a top priority, the shuttle operates at a speed of no more than 20 kilometres per hour and has a trained safety attendant on board at all times who can manually take control of the vehicle at any time, if required.
How to interact with the shuttle - Autonomous shuttles use sensors to detect their surroundings. When a regular passenger vehicle is not following the rules of the road, like following too close or passing without leaving three car lengths, it may cause the shuttle to make abrupt stops. As our shuttle is a low-speed vehicle, drivers are reminded to please pass with care by allowing three car lengths between their vehicle and the WAVE to safely pass. This will continue to ensure a safe experience for everyone.
Shuttle riders are required to follow all recommended provincial and local public health safety protocols for public transit related to COVID-19.
The service is aided by more than 50 pieces of smart infrastructure (such as the smart torch shown to the right) that eliminate blind spots experienced by any vehicle and provide real-time audio and visual alerts to other road users about the shuttle’s operation – helping to dramatically increase road safety.
Project sponsors
This project is supported by the Government of Ontario in funding through the Autonomous Vehicle Innovation Network (AVIN), led by the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI).
The pilot is also being delivered through funding and the support and experience of local, national and international partners. These include SmartCone Technologies, AutoGuardian By SmartCone, the Region of Durham, Durham Region Transit (DRT), the Town of Whitby, Metrolinx, Nokia Canada, Ontario Tech, Durham College and other partners (see complete list of partners on this project page.)
February 2, 2022 Update:
The Whitby Autonomous Electric Vehicle (WAVE) shuttle project has now concluded. Durham Region Transit has issued the following release.
December 17, 2021 Update:
In response to the December 16 collision involving the Whitby Autonomous Electric Vehicle (WAVE), Durham Region Transit has issued the following statement. Shuttle service has been suspended until a full investigation has been completed.
Residents of Whitby, Ontario can now become the first in North America to ride an autonomous (self-driving) electric shuttle that integrates smart infrastructure along the route to help create safer roads for pedestrians, transit customers and other drivers.
Public ridership for the Whitby Autonomous Vehicle Electric (WAVE) shuttle pilot project has begun. View the full route schedule information here.
The shuttle route
The six-kilometre shuttle route begins and ends at the Whitby GO Transit station, making a loop through the Port Whitby area (in south Whitby).
The shuttle service is integrated into the existing Durham Region Transit (DRT) schedule as Route 300. The shuttle operates weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. in off-peak times to minimize traffic impact on the community, and on weekends between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Want to know how you can ride the WAVE? View the full route schedule information here.
Project goals
This pilot project is being undertaken by various partners to learn about how automated technologies can contribute to safer, more sustainable and connected transit and traffic operations.
The pilot is the first time in Canada that an autonomous shuttle and smart infrastructure is fully integrated into an existing transit service – as DRT Route 300 – providing the opportunity to assess the operational, financial and customer service benefits and implications of these technologies in community transit.
The pilot will also help to inform the physical and digital transportation infrastructure necessary to prepare for autonomous vehicles on public roads in Canada.
Safety is the top priority
WithSmart Torch safety as a top priority, the shuttle operates at a speed of no more than 20 kilometres per hour and has a trained safety attendant on board at all times who can manually take control of the vehicle at any time, if required.
How to interact with the shuttle - Autonomous shuttles use sensors to detect their surroundings. When a regular passenger vehicle is not following the rules of the road, like following too close or passing without leaving three car lengths, it may cause the shuttle to make abrupt stops. As our shuttle is a low-speed vehicle, drivers are reminded to please pass with care by allowing three car lengths between their vehicle and the WAVE to safely pass. This will continue to ensure a safe experience for everyone.
Shuttle riders are required to follow all recommended provincial and local public health safety protocols for public transit related to COVID-19.
The service is aided by more than 50 pieces of smart infrastructure (such as the smart torch shown to the right) that eliminate blind spots experienced by any vehicle and provide real-time audio and visual alerts to other road users about the shuttle’s operation – helping to dramatically increase road safety.
Project sponsors
This project is supported by the Government of Ontario in funding through the Autonomous Vehicle Innovation Network (AVIN), led by the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI).
The pilot is also being delivered through funding and the support and experience of local, national and international partners. These include SmartCone Technologies, AutoGuardian By SmartCone, the Region of Durham, Durham Region Transit (DRT), the Town of Whitby, Metrolinx, Nokia Canada, Ontario Tech, Durham College and other partners (see complete list of partners on this project page.)
Artistic representation of vehicle wrap provided by Unique Media Solutions