Advanced transport systems showcased in La Rochelle

CityMobil project, a large integrated project co-funded by DG RESEARCH of the European Commission, organized in La Rochelle an advanced city car showcase in which it gave to the citizens the possibility to ride driverless vehicles. 256 users where interviewed. Responses where very positive with all indicators passing the threshold of positive acceptance; only the perception of safety was on the threshold but not above. Such positive response of the citizens to the new transport systems showcased in La Rochelle convinced the city to implement a larger demonstrator with fully automated vehicles. The demonstration supplies a shuttle service in a street with restricted traffic access and presence of pedestrians. It starts in May 2011 and lasts for three months until the end of July. This is the first ever demonstrator in which fully automated vehicles are legally authorized to run a passenger transport service in an unprotected environment.