South Australia is gearing up for a future with autonomous vehicles (AV) – and it’s not just about fancy cars cruising themselves down the freeway. Autonomous shuttles, driverless buses and ongoing smart mobility trials are set to shape the way we move around our suburbs and city, enhancing mobility and connectivity for residents.
As a boutique fleet management company based in SA, we’re keeping a close eye on these developments. Not just because it’s cool (which it is), but because it could transform how our clients approach logistics, staff transport and public-private mobility partnerships.
South Australia was the first state in the country to green-light on-road autonomous vehicle trials. In 2016, the state passed legislation allowing AVs to operate under controlled conditions – laying the groundwork for innovation that continues today. Here are some notable South Australian AV initiatives that have made an impact in recent years.
Flinders Express (FLEX) Shuttle
The Flinders Express shuttle was South Australia’s first autonomous vehicle trial using public roads, offering a first and last mile service to Clovelly Park train station within the Tonsley Innovation District. Launched in 2018, this collaboration between Flinders University and nine industry partners (including SAGE Automation, a Thyme Fleet client) demonstrated how autonomous tech could complement existing transport networks. The shuttle was deliberately slow, fully electric, and supervised by onboard operators. The results were promising – passengers quickly adapted to the technology, raising important questions about how future fleets might operate in similar environments.
Renmark Autonomous Shuttle
In 2021, the regional town of Renmark introduced “Murray”, a free autonomous shuttle service through a partnership between Keolis Downer, EasyMile and Flinders University. The service ran along a 2.4km loop connecting key areas including the riverfront and shopping precincts, proving that AV technology offers practical transport solutions even for smaller communities.
City of Playford Services
Another noteworthy trial brought autonomous transport to healthcare, with EasyMile collaborating with SAGE Automation and the City of Playford to operate a driverless shuttle at Lyell McEwin Hospital in 2018. This service provided convenient transportation for hospital staff and visitors while testing both the technology’s reliability and public acceptance. The three partners have since undertaken trials involving an autonomous shuttle bus carrying passengers from the Munno Para Railway Station to the Playford Alive Township and facilities.
Supporting these innovations, South Australia developed a comprehensive Automated Vehicle Trials Safety Assurance Framework in 2019, establishing clear safety guidelines and reinforcing the state’s commitment to responsible implementation.
What This Means for Fleet Management
For fleet professionals, these developments open interesting possibilities. Could autonomous vehicles eventually form part of corporate shuttle networks? Could smart, electric AVs help staff travel between sites more efficiently – or even become part of carpooling programs?
While we’re not there yet, these trials offer a glimpse of what’s ahead in 2025 and beyond. South Australia’s forward-thinking approach to testing and learning positions local businesses advantageously as this technology evolves.
At Thyme Fleet, we’re always thinking about what’s next for transportation. Autonomous vehicles might not replace your fleet tomorrow, but they’re definitely part of the conversation today.
