Michigan State University has released the spring semester schedule for its electric autonomous bus serving the MSU community. Beyond changes to its hours of operation, the bus software has been updated and its interior has been upgraded to include more comfortable seating and optional seat belts for passengers.

“If you haven’t had a chance to ride this phenomenal addition to our smart mobility ecosystem, we highly encourage you to do so this spring semester,” said Satish Udpa, interim director of MSU Mobility and University Distinguished Professor of electrical and computer engineering and member of the state of Michigan’s Council on Future Mobility and Electrification. “Riding the bus on campus allows MSU students, faculty and visitors the opportunity to ride one of the largest electric autonomous buses of its kind to be deployed on U.S. roadways to date and experience the future of mobility. We continue to be grateful to our partners, Karsan and ADASTEC, as well as the state of Michigan, for allowing us to extend this unique opportunity on our campus roads.”

This mode of transportation was made possible through a collaboration with the state of Michigan, bus manufacturer Karsan and Michigan-based ADASTEC, which focuses on delivering SAE Level-4 Automated Driving Software Platforms for commercial vehicles. The bus was first introduced in November 2021 after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, or NHTSA, granted validation of the bus, route and infrastructure.

The bus runs a 2.5-mile nonstop, round-trip route from MSU Commuter Lot No. 89, Bus Stop No. 4 to the MSU Auditorium Loop and back, with riders picked up approximately every 30 minutes from the respective departure points.

Hours of operation

Kicking off Jan. 17 through April 28 the 27-foot, 23-seat bus will follow the schedule below.

Departing from the MSU Commuter Lot No. 89:

Mondays

• Mornings: 8:25 a.m., 8:55 a.m. and 9:25 a.m.
• Afternoons: 12:10 p.m., 12:40 p.m., 1:10 p.m., 1:40 p.m., 2:10 p.m., 2:40 p.m. and 3:10 p.m.

Tuesdays

• Mornings: 8:25 a.m., 8:55 a.m. and 9:25 a.m.
• Afternoons: 12:10 p.m., 12:40 p.m., 1:10 p.m., 1:40 p.m. and 2:10 p.m.

Wednesdays

• Mornings: 8:25 a.m., 8:55 a.m. and 9:25 a.m.
• Afternoons: 12:10 p.m., 12:40 p.m., 1:10 p.m., 1:40 p.m., 2:10 p.m., 2:40 p.m. and 3:10 p.m.

Thursdays

• Mornings: 8:25 a.m., 8:55 a.m. and 9:25 a.m.
• Afternoons: 1:10 p.m., 1:40 p.m. and 2:10 p.m.

Fridays

• Mornings: 8:10 a.m., 8:40 a.m., 9:10 a.m., 9:40 a.m., 10:10 a.m. and 10:40 a.m.
• Afternoons: no service

Departing from the MSU Auditorium:

Mondays

• Mornings: 8:38 a.m., 9:08 a.m. and 9:38 a.m.
• Afternoons: 12:23 p.m., 12:53 p.m., 1:23 p.m., 1:53 p.m., 2:23 p.m., 2:53 p.m. and 3:23 p.m.

Tuesdays

• Mornings: 8:38 a.m., 9:08 a.m. and 9:38 a.m.
• Afternoons: 12:23 p.m., 12:53 p.m., 1:23 p.m., 1:53 p.m. and 2:23 p.m.

Wednesdays

• Mornings: 8:38 a.m., 9:08 a.m. and 9:38 a.m.
• Afternoons: 12:23 p.m., 12:53 p.m., 1:23 p.m., 1:53 p.m., 2:23 p.m., 2:53 p.m. and 3:23 p.m.

Thursdays

• Mornings: 8:38 a.m., 9:08 a.m. and 9:38 a.m.
• Afternoons: 1:23 p.m., 1:53 p.m. and 2:23 p.m.

Fridays

• Mornings: 8:23 a.m., 8:53 a.m., 9:23 a.m., 9:53 a.m., 10:23 a.m. and 10:53 a.m.
• Afternoons: no service

Due to normal maintenance and targeted demonstrations, as well as MSU’s spring break, the bus will not operate on Feb. 20 or March 6-10.

About MSU’s autonomous bus

The autonomous e-ATAK bus was developed and produced by Karsan and offers Level 4 autonomy — meaning it can operate without any human interaction. ADASTEC’s Level-4 Automated Driving Software Platform, named flowride.ai, is incorporated in the bus and encompasses a range of sensor, safety and mapping equipment. Data sharing, mission control and fleet management operations also are capable through flowride.ai. Traffic lights along the route are outfitted with intelligent roadside units to communicate with the bus.

To meet the needs of people with visual impairment, the bus is equipped with a wheelchair ramp along with audio messaging. A licensed bus driver from ADASTEC’s Ann Arbor office is onboard at all times as a precautionary measure, prepared to take control instantly if needed.

To learn more about the bus and its schedule, as well as MSU Mobility initiatives, visit mobility.msu.edu.