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ABOUT ELA

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1. What does ELA stand for?

ELA stands for ‘Electric Autonomous,’ and much like the name suggests, ELA is an independent operating transportation system that has the potential to enhance accessibility and co-exist alongside the existing transportation modes we rely on.

2. Is ELA safe?

Yes, ELA is very safe. She has an impressive safety track record. Since 2015, these shuttles have had more than 170 deployments in 20 countries across four continents; over 300,000 people have been transported on more than 190,000 kilometres, in various settings and traffic conditions. Overall, the EasyMile EZ10 has carried over 300,000 passengers worldwide, without incident.

3. How does ELA work? What technology does ELA use?

ELA operates mainly with two systems, navigation and safety. The primary operating method is navigation, which makes use of Light Detection and Ranging Sensors (LiDAR) sensors and advanced GPS corrections. The safety systems are composed of different types of sensors that create a buffer area, 360 degrees around the vehicle to regulate the safety based on things such as speed, the direction of travel, and object size. Additionally, a 4G network is used to transfer general vehicle data. The unit is 100% electric with a battery life of up to 14 hours; it can be recharged overnight.

4. How fast does ELA drive?

ELA can reach a maximum speed of 45 kilometers per hour; however, for most pilots and test deployments, ELA operates between 10 to 15 kilometers per hour.

5. Has ELA ever gotten into an accident?

Safety is of the utmost concern during the operation of this pilot. The EasyMile EZ10 has carried over 300,000 passengers worldwide, without incident. In the unlikely event that ELA is involved in an accident, The City of Beaumont and PWT have emergency response protocols in place to deal with such events.

6. How do people ride in ELA? Do they sit or stand?

ELA is designed to accommodate riders so they can sit as well as stand. Overall, ELA can carry a 1000 kg load, which means it can move approximately 8-10 passengers. Additionally, ELA can accommodate mobility devices like strollers, walkers, and wheelchairs.

7. How does ELA respond if there is an emergency vehicle approaching her on the road?

ELA will yield the right-of-way for an emergency vehicle (ambulance, fire or police) as per the rules of the road identified in the Alberta Traffic Safety Act.

8. Is the operation of ELA integrated with our City’s emergency response services?

Absolutely. As part of the preparation work, the City of Beaumont and PWT conducted a comprehensive orientation and training session with over 40 municipal emergency services team members to educate and provide hands-on-training with how ELA operates and behaves.

9. If ELA is fully autonomous, why does she require a certified Operator to be onboard at all times?

By nature of what a pilot project means, we anticipate learnings and discoveries along the way, and that is why a certified Operator is onboard at all times during operations in the event that ELA needs to be switched to manual mode.

10. What happens to ELA’s route in the event of emergency vehicles travelling down 50th Street where ELA’s route is?

Emergency response evaluates each call and responds utilizing a route that is most effective for that location and will always operate in a manner that ensures motorist and pedestrian safety as well as the safety of first responders. In the event of an approaching emergency vehicle, motorists are still to pull to the right and stop.

With ELA’s route, emergency vehicles are authorized to enter ELA’s lane if needed and/or to move stalled or inoperable vehicles to. Response and reaction with the emergency response are one of many examples of the live nature and fluidity of this pilot project that is part of the learning and discovery.

11. How does ELA operate in bad weather?

ELA does not operate if;

• winds are more than 50KMH winds,
• temperature is below –10C or greater than +35C,
• humidity is above 95%                                                                                    
• rain is falling at a rate greater than 5mm/hr.,
• there is an electrical storm or heavy snowfall, fog or dust.

These standards are set in place to ensure ELA can operate safely and effectively.

12. Who do we call if there are questions about ELA?

Further questions about ELA can be answered by emailing ela@pwt.ca or visiting www.ridewithela.ca.

13. Where to direct questions, general enquiries or safety concerns?

Please call 780.929.8782 or email ELA@beaumont.ab.ca.

14. Can the public take a trip in ELA?

The shuttle will be a free service for the public, and you may ride ELA at any time and or book online to secure your spot on ELA. There is a maximum of 8-10 riders on the shuttle; depending on if there are any mobility devices on board.

15. Is there a charge to ride ELA?

It is free to ride ELA and if you would like to book ahead of time go to www.ridewithela.ca

16. Will ELA have an attendant?

Pacific Western Transportation (PWT) and the City of Beaumont’s mandate is safety first! An attendant will always be on the autonomous shuttle for your safety.

17. Is ELA handicapped-friendly?

Yes, she absolutely is. ELA has a built-in access ramp and can accommodate wheelchairs and baby strollers.

18. Can children and youth ride ELA by themselves?

While there will always be a certified Operator onboard ELA, the City of Beaumont recommends that parents apply the same parental guidelines they would generally follow with respect to whether they would allow their children to ride public transportation alone or not.

19. When can I take the ELA shuttle?

ELA’s shuttle service schedule in Beaumont can be found by CLICKING HERE (www.ridewithela.ca). It is encouraged to book your shuttle ahead of time.

ELA Operational Schedule	Time
Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday	Morning Start Time : 11:30 AM-2:30 PM
Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday	Afternoon Start Time : 3:30 PM-6:30 PM