After a pilot period, the experiment with smart mobility, the introduction of self-driving shuttle buses at the Terhills recreation area in the municipality of Dilsen-Stokkem, was concluded positively in 2024. The LRM - the Limburg Investment Company - decided on the definitive introduction and expansion after evaluation. The route of the shuttle buses connects parking spaces, a shopping area and important leisure locations in the area.
The introduction of the autonomous buses is yet another phase in the transformation of an originally industrial area, where coal and gravel were originally mined. It is a particularly attractive recreation area that is located near the National Park De Hoge Kempen.
The Terhills Resort recreation area is now a green Eldorado compared to more than 103 years ago when coal was mined by the Eisden coal mine from 1922. In 2024, the futuristic walking and cycling path was also opened here, which connects the three green Terhills, vegetated slag heaps created as a by-product of underground mining, across the lake. The path through the water 'floats' on ingenious pontoons.
After the opening, it was immediately used intensively and due to its location on the Limburg network of cycling junctions, more cyclists and hikers will cross the road in summer and winter. The route of the shuttle buses connects the new cycling and walking bridge, but also the nearby wellness centre Elaisa Wellness. Guests of Terhills Resort CenterParcs also benefit from the bus connection, which is free of charge. Each shuttle bus can transport 12 passengers, which amounts to approximately 200 passengers per hour. The mobility project is financed by the LRM and collaborating partners such as Terhills BV, Terhills Hotels, Center Parcs and Elaisa Wellness.
The bus route has special boarding and alighting points complete with bus shelter. It is amazing to see these self-driving buses stop and depart. The software that controls the shuttle buses was developed by EasyMile. EasyMile now has unmanned buses driving on predefined routes at multiple locations and similar projects worldwide, such as hospitals and airports, where the bus detects obstacles and avoids obstacles. This is the EZ-10 type. All in all, it is clear that this innovative mobility project has remarkable advantages, in particular the fact that car traffic is limited, which has a positive effect on the environment and recreational accommodation.
Highlights
- 200 passengers per hour
- 12 persons per shuttle bus
- 7 days a week/8 hours a day
- Max. waiting time 10 minutes
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