4:22 P.M. UPDATE: A TikTok video shared with Bungalower captured the incident from within the autonomous shuttle as the LYNX bus seemingly cut it off while in motion. Watch the video below.
The City of Orlando launched its new autonomous (driver-less) shuttle service on August 20, but it seems they’ve already had their first traffic incident in just two days on the streets.
Early in the afternoon of August 22, a SWAN shuttle was seen rear-ending a LYMMO bus in Creative Village, apparently unable to register the bus in front of it. We reached out to Orlando Police for any information on possible causes or injuries related to the incident, and they shared the following.
“At approximately 1:05 p.m. on Tuesday, August 22, 2023, on Terry Avenue near Livingston Street there was an incident between a LYMMO bus and SWAN Shuttle resulting in minor cosmetic damage to both vehicles. There were no injuries to passengers. There was no impact to service in this area as LYMMO buses are on standby to fill in as part of the autonomous shuttle pilot plan. SWAN Shuttle service will be provided along the route at 6:30 p.m. today as planned.“
– ORLANDO POLICE
According to the Bungalower reader who sent us this photo, and who wished to remain anonymous, it appeared as if only the front bumper was damaged in the incident.
The new SWAN Shuttle service (Shuttling With Anonymous Navigation) is part of a pilot program powered by Beep (Website), an Orlando-based autonomous shared mobility solution company. The program is in partnership with Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority (LYNX) and is meant to gather data on how shared, electric, and autonomous vehicles can be a part of Orlando’s transportation future.
“The City of Orlando believes communities must be connected to thrive and so we are always looking at new ways to embrace creative, innovative ways to do this. With the expansion of autonomous vehicle shuttles into our neighborhoods, we can converge cutting-edge technology with new mobility solutions to further redefine the way our community moves. The SWAN shuttle builds on our diverse network of mobility options and furthers our commitment to our residents, our environment and our future.”
– MAYOR DYER
SWAN shuttles are free to ride and they operate in the existing bus lanes that are dedicated to the free LYMMO Orange line circulator, and connect the Creative Village campus to the LYNX Central Station on the other side of the interstate. They are expected to stop by every eight minutes during office hours and every 15 minutes on evenings and weekends.
