Phase 1 operated at the Coffs Harbour Marina, travelling along the Northern Breakwall to Muttonbird Island.
The Northern Breakwall offered an ideal testing location for our first phase as it’s a high profile and controlled environment for local residents and tourists who were able to experience the vehicle and participate in the trial. The vehicle operated at slow speed along the Northern Breakwall on a shared path with pedestrians and cyclists. 30 trips per day were made in Phase 1, 6 days a week.
Phase 1 BusBot design through Gumbaynggirr Wajaarr collaboration
The BusBot project recognises the Gumbaynggirr Wajaarr (Country) as the traditional owners in the Coffs Harbour region. Muttonbird Island is of significant important to the Gumbaynggirr Wajaarr people.
Out of respect, we have taken an approach to immerse the BusBot vehicle into the local landscape, creating an experience where the vehicle technology is in the background, not the focal point.
Through the social enterprise and commercial arm of the Saltwater Freshwater Arts Alliance, we worked with the National Aboriginal Design Agency (NADA) to design the BusBot livery for Phase 1 of the trial. This partnership resulted in an amazing collaboration with Coffs Harbour High School, where 11 young Aboriginal artists participate in an art workshop facilitated by two local Elders.
