© CFL, Patrick Flammang
Starting Monday, 11 August, the Belval community will benefit from a new network of autonomous shuttle buses.
Starting this Monday, a collaboration between the Luxembourg National Railway Company (CFL), the local authorities of Esch-sur-Alzette and Sanem, and Schroeder & Associés will launch a fleet of shuttle buses running on an hourly rotation, Monday to Friday, from 9am to 2pm.
The shuttles will stop at four stations, namely Kannercampus/CIPA, Lycée Bel-Val, Avenue du Rock’n’Roll (P+R), and Université. The stops have been chosen in a way as to connect essential hotspots in Belval as well as the different social groups within the community, allowing residents from the retirement home (CIPA) and local students alike to comfortably reach Belval's main attractions.
The shuttles reach a maximum speed 25km/h and follow a virtual, pre-programmed itinerary. Additionally, they each feature eight seats and are adjusted to accommodate the needs of people with reduced mobility.
15 CFL employees have been specially trained in order to act as "security operator", manning the shuttles and taking over in case of emergency, as prescribed by Luxembourgish legislation. However, the shuttles have been extensively tested and are each equipped with Laser Imaging Detection and Ranging (LIDAR), which provide 360 degree vision and in combination with ultrasonic sensors, safely assure the identification of obstacles.
CFL is confident of their newest project's success.
"In order for the CFL to remain the first choice in all matters mobility and transport, we have to venture outside the beaten tracks and introduce innovative solutions to cover all of our clientele's traveling needs, from the first to the last kilometre. With these new, autonomous shuttle buses, we are adding a new link to our chain of mobility services", said the general director Marc Wengler.
The shuttle schedule will be adjusted as needed to meet demand.
