Chungnam Province launches free autonomous shuttle in Naepo New Town

Chungnam Province has announced the launch of a free autonomous shuttle service in Naepo New Town to test self-driving technology on actual public transportation routes. As part of the ‘Naepo New Town Autonomous Driving Demonstration Project,’ the ‘Autonomous 1004’ shuttle will operate from December 12 until January 11.

The 12-passenger vehicle will run four times daily on weekdays, following a circular route that includes 15 stops such as the Naepo New Town Transfer Center, Sapgyo-eup Community Support Center, and Deoksan Middle and High School. The schedule is designed to accommodate student commuting hours by filling gaps between existing shuttle services.

To ensure safety, a trained test driver will remain on board, standing passengers are prohibited, and the vehicle will switch to manual mode during bad weather or in hazardous areas. The province aims to use the collected operational data to refine future routes and dispatching. Additionally, a driverless autonomous late-night bus service is expected to begin next month.