Projects
On the road
The Northern Netherlands are the perfect Dutch region for testing shuttles and other self-driving vehicles in rural areas. Precisely in this region steps can be quickly taken development-wise, while it also represents an area which can benefit most and thus has the greatest demand for autonomous transportation on the road. In order to accelerate this rural development, the region aims to point to as many interested parties as possible the opportunities in the Northern Netherlands as well as to have them jointly collaborate in their efforts. Thus allowing a faster trajectory towards upscaling and projects which are to become a structural part of the whole mobility system.
Projects
Providers
Also interested in a pilot in the Northern Netherlands?
In order to integrate autonomous transportation into our existing public transportation system a joint strategy has been outlined by the central government and regions in the Toekomstbeeld OV 2040 (Public Transport in 2040 – Outlines of a vision for the future). In this document autonomous shuttles are specifically highlighted as well as the significant potential of Northern Netherland’s rural areas in developing this vision. Within our projects, we are – among others – focussing on enhancing the speed and development of business cases.
Recent news
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Panel discussion: the future as well as the challenges of autonomous transportation
‘Autonomous transportation is in essence merely a veiled way of cutting costs.’ By posing daring arguments like this, five panellists with an expertise within different transportation modalities were invited to the New Energy Forum to discuss the future of autonomous transportation. What are its biggest challenges? And is the whole concept of autonomous transportation even…
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Autonomous car reaches 70 kilometers per hour on test track
With a small passenger car that can drive up to 72 kilometers per hour without a driver and is stopped remotely, the province and partners are taking a new step in the development of autonomous transport on the road this autumn. Hive.mobility partners province of Groningen and robotTUNER, together with DroneHub GAE, used an old…
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New autonomous shuttle pilots in the municipalities of Bourtange and Midden-Groningen
New autonomous shuttle pilots are scheduled to be conducted in the municipalities of Bourtange and Midden-Groningen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Passengers
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What is the maximum speed of the vehicles?
The maximum speed of the EZ10, which is now being tested, is 40 kilometres per hour. However, for technical and safety reasons its speed during thee pilot phase is limited to 20 kilometres per hour.
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How many seats does the vehicle have?
A vehicle is able to transport a maximum of 12 people (6 seated and 6 standing).
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Why is there still a steward on board?
As for now, it is still required by the Netherlands Vehicle Authority to have a steward on board. The steward can always press the emergency button as well as drive the vehicle manually if it’s necessary. This hardly ever happens, allowing the steward to act more as the vehicle’s host.
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Can people in wheelchairs also use this bus service?
Yes, they certainly can. There’s enough space for wheelchairs in the tiny bus, which can be easily accessed by wheelchairs via a special.
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Can visually impaired people also use this bus service?
Yes, they certainly can. The on-board can also lend a helping hand if necessary.
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How much does it cost to use the bus service?
During the pilot phase the bus service is free, no matter how often you want to use it.
Companies
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What authority grants the official permit for these vehicles to drive on public roads?
Most countries have their own national administrative bodies, authorized for conducting motor vehicle type approvals. In the Netherlands this is the RDW (the Netherlands Vehicle Authority). The RDW also registers the license plates of vehicles.