TORONTO: The West Rouge Automated Shuttle Trial is a project launched in partnership among the City of Toronto, Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), and Metrolinx.
This temporary trial uses a low-speed automated vehicle that is mostly self-driving. A human attendant will always be on-board to take over driving if needed.
The shuttle will begin on-road testing in September 2021, with passenger service planned to begin in October. The service may extend until end of February 2022, depending how the vehicle performs in winter weather conditions.
Join the Online Public Information Session on Tuesday, September 14, 2021, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Register by emailing* automatedvehicles@toronto.ca.
If you do not register in advance, you can still join via the web page on the day of the event Automated vehicles have the potential to reshape and redefine our transportation network.
This trial is an opportunity for Torontonians to experience first-hand how it feels to ride on an automated vehicle, and to interact with it on public roads. It will also provide first-hand learning about the planning considerations for automated vehicle technology so we can further our goals of safe, green accessible and convenient transportation for all. There is no intention to make this project permanent or scale up the use of automated shuttles at this time.
Public feedback is an important part of the project, and we invite you to get involved by clicking on “Tell Us What You Think” tab below. The temporary shuttle service will be free for passengers, and will travel to and from Rouge Hill GO station.
Fixed-location stops will provide access to the West Rouge neighbourhood, West Rouge Community Centre and Rouge National Urban Park. The autonomous driving system (ADS) means it will stop at every designated shuttle stop so passengers do not have to inform the attendant in advance that they wish to disembark.
People who want to ride the shuttle will need to book a trip. This helps minimize contact during the COVID-19 pandemic but also enables us to contact passengers directly if there are any service updates. Bookings will be limited to people from the same household to a maximum of 4 at a time.
Check back in October for more information about how to book. Community members will see the shuttle in the area as it conducts mapping and commissioning activities. Passenger service is expected to begin in October, once all the project partners are satisfied with the safety of the vehicle.