Australia’s National Transport Research Organisation (NTRO) has purchased a mid-sized autonomous bus from TIER IV, a pioneering force in open-source software for autonomous driving, as part of broader efforts to accelerate autonomous vehicle deployments in Australia and New Zealand. The two organizations established a strategic collaboration in 2024, capitalizing on NTRO’s experience conducting trials in the region and TIER IV’s track record of autonomous bus deployments in Japan.
The vehicle is a 15-seater electric bus with an autonomous driving system developed by TIER IV. NTRO has decided to name the bus Rita in honor of Rita Excell, who was executive director of the Australian Driverless Vehicle Initiative when she partnered with the Australian Road Research Board (ARRB) – a precursor of NTRO – for the country’s first autonomous vehicle trial with Volvo XC90s in November 2015.
NTRO’s Rita
NTRO and TIER IV have tested the vehicle and fine-tuned it for Australian conditions on a dedicated track, aiming to demonstrate driverless operation and conditional automated driving with a driver present. NTRO is now providing opportunities for state transport agencies, bus operators, local councils, airports and other organizations across Australia and New Zealand to experience the bus through demonstrations and in-service public transport trials, including on public roads.
This initiative aligns with Australia’s National Road Safety Strategy target of zero deaths and serious injuries on roads by 2050. It also addresses a bus driver shortage that is expected to worsen as many drivers reach retirement age in the late 2020s.
“The acquisition of Australia’s first autonomous bus from TIER IV is an exciting moment for NTRO and Australia,” said Michael Caltabiano, Chief Executive Officer of NTRO. “NTRO has the skills and expertise to develop the tools needed to deploy autonomous driving technology in Australia, addressing critical needs like safely transporting elderly people between their homes, shops and hospitals. These services, delivered by NTRO’s new autonomous bus Rita, will be more cost-effective and environmentally sustainable than using the current fleet of buses. The new bus will be a watershed moment, allowing local communities access to safe, secure and reliable transport. Successful models around the world have shown how this technology can benefit elderly and mobility-challenged individuals, support communities that rely on regular short trips to public facilities, and assist schools with dedicated pick-up routes to reduce congestion during busy morning and afternoon periods.”
“We are delighted to partner with NTRO in bringing our autonomous bus to Australia,” said Shinpei Kato, founder and CEO of TIER IV. Building on our experience deploying autonomous buses across Japan, this collaboration demonstrates how advanced autonomous driving solutions can be safely and effectively applied to improve public transport. With Rita, we aim to show that autonomous buses can enhance mobility and provide a model for safe and reliable services in communities worldwide. This partnership reflects our commitment to advancing autonomous driving while addressing real-world transport challenges.”
About NTRO
The National Transport Research Organisation offers all levels of government and industry great outcomes across all modes of transport. It provides innovative research and practical solutions to challenges across road, rail, ports and airports, developing new knowledge, innovation, standards and specifications to shape our transport future. Building upon 60+ years of experience through the Australian Road Research Board, the NTRO now services the Australian and New Zealand communities as the central hub of transport research, policy and project work.
About TIER IV
TIER IV stands at the forefront of deep tech innovation, pioneering Autoware, open-source software for autonomous driving. With a comprehensive suite of platforms and services built around Autoware, TIER IV provides everything from software development and vehicle procurement to operational support. Through the Autoware ecosystem, TIER IV works with partners worldwide to shape the future of intelligent vehicles with open-source software, aiming to create mobility that is safer, more sustainable, and accessible to all.
Media Contact
NTRO
Guy Hand, NTRO Media and Communications Leader, +61 409 894 527 or guy.hand@ntro.org.au
TIER IV
pr@tier4.jp