Chungcheongnam-do is launching a field test of autonomous driving technology on actual public transportation routes by operating free autonomous circulation buses in Naepo New Town.

The province announced on the 8th that as part of the "Naepo New Town Autonomous Driving Verification Project," the autonomous circulation bus named "Autonomous 1004" will operate from the 12th until January 11 of next year.

This project is promoted to verify whether autonomous vehicles can be utilized as everyday public transportation means by operating on actual bus routes and to secure real driving data.

Autonomous 1004 operates four times a day on weekdays and does not run on weekends or public holidays.

The route is a circular route starting from the entrance of Yongbongsan Mountain, passing through 15 stops including the Naepo New Town Transfer Center, Sapgyo-eup Administrative Welfare Center, and Deoksan Middle and High School, and returning to Yongbongsan Mountain.

Operating times are set at 7:30 AM, 8:30 AM, 9:30 AM, and 12:10 PM. The schedule is arranged considering students' commuting hours and runs between the dispatch intervals of existing circulation buses 1001 and 1002 to enhance user convenience.

The vehicle is a 12-seater autonomous bus, and driving stability has been enhanced by reflecting the driving data secured from last year's operations and supplementary items identified during the operation process.

For safety, standing passengers are restricted, a test driver who is fully familiar with autonomous driving functions and vehicle operation methods will board together, and the vehicle will operate within the road speed limit.

In protected areas, hazardous zones, or during worsening weather conditions such as rain or snow, the vehicle will switch to manual driving.

Depending on road conditions and other factors, arrival times at bus stops may be later than expected, and infants under 6 years of age must board accompanied by a guardian.

Through this operation, the province plans to improve and supplement operation plans such as routes and dispatch based on driving data accumulated on actual routes.

In addition, next month, the province plans to start operating driverless autonomous midnight buses, expanding the scope of verification for autonomous driving technology.

A provincial official stated, "Naepo New Town is an autonomous driving pilot operation district where people can directly experience future mobility," adding, "Through the operation of Autonomous 1004, we will provide an opportunity for residents to experience autonomous driving in their daily lives, raise social acceptance of autonomous driving technology, and do our best to ensure safe operation."

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