Via unveils its first autonomous vehicle service as pilot

The partnership with local bus operator Busways and tech provider EasyMile serves a community in New South Wales, Australia.

Staff Writer・Editorial

Read Staff's Posts

July 11, 2019

Via unveils its first autonomous vehicle service as pilot — EasyMile's autonomous vehicle technology is being used to serve a local retirement community in New South Whales, Australia.
Via

1 min to read

EasyMile's autonomous vehicle technology is being used to serve a local retirement community in New South Whales, Australia. Via

Via, developer of on-demand shared mobility solutions, announced its first public autonomous vehicle (AV) service in the world. The AV program, dubbed BusBot, is now fully operational, serving a community in New South Wales, Australia.

In partnership with local bus operator Busways, Transport for NSW, and AV technology provider EasyMile, BusBot will serve a local retirement community. The deployment will serve an entire community of seniors in need of a public transit solution, offering some unique benefits beyond a driverless vehicle.

Using the BusBot app (iOS and Android), users will be able to hail the autonomous BusBot directly from their smartphone. Via’s advanced algorithms will enable multiple riders to seamlessly share the driverless vehicle. The technology will direct passengers to a nearby virtual bus stop for pick up and drop off, and dynamically task the driverless vehicle to stops in real-time, allowing for quick and efficient shared trips without lengthy detours, or inconvenient fixed routes and schedules.

The deployment in Marian Grove began on April 8, 2019 and marks the second phase of BusBot’s pilot program, with plans to operate in the community for 22 weeks, giving Via and its partners time to test increasingly advanced AV elements. Service for riders will be free during the pilot program.

Topics:autonomous vehicles EasyMile shared ride programs Via Bus Paratransit Management Technology New Mobility

More New Mobility

ADA Compliant Transit: Easier, More Dignified Travel for Every Passenger

Today’s riders—and the communities you serve—expect more from public transit. While ADA compliance is required, leading transit agencies know that true accessibility also means delivering dignity, efficiency, and a better rider experience. This whitepaper reveals why forward thinking agencies nationwide choose the Low Floor Frontrunner as their first choice for ADA compliant vehicles—setting a new standard with passenger first design, faster boarding, improved safety, and unmatched operational performance.

Management•by Staff•April 28, 2026

Keolis Contract Extended for Valley Metro's East Valley Fixed-Route Bus Service

Under this extension, Keolis will continue to manage and operate fixed-route bus service across the East Valley, serving communities including Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Scottsdale, the town of Gilbert, parts of Phoenix, and the Gila River Indian Community.

New Mobility•by Staff•April 24, 2026

MOIA America Teams with Beep to Grow US Footprint

Through the strategic partnership, MOIA America will provide MOIA’s turnkey autonomous mobility solution. This includes purpose-built, autonomous-ready ID. Buzz vehicles equipped with the self-driving system developed by Mobileye, as well as operator training and enablement.