First FMVSS-Compliant Automated Bus in a U.S. National Park
ADASTEC deployed the first full-size automated bus built in the United States to operate on public roads within a U.S. national park at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Michigan. This landmark service, automated by ADASTEC’s SAE Level-4 automated driving software platform, flowride.ai, showcases how advanced mobility can enhance visitor access while preserving the park’s natural beauty. The 7.4-mile scenic route connects three key visitor points, operating at speeds up to 20 mph and navigating narrow, winding roads shared with cyclists and hikers.
Designed for complex real-world conditions, the bus operates independently without reliance on external connectivity, making every driving decision through its onboard advanced sensor suite and computing systems. From autonomous uphill climbs to controlled downhill descents, the system delivers safe, consistent, and intelligent navigation across diverse terrain. Built-in accessibility features, including an automated ramp, ensure that all visitors, tourists, residents, and park staff, can benefit from the service.
The deployment meets all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and is authorized for public use by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This approval reflects ADASTEC’s commitment to safety, compliance, and collaboration with federal regulators for real-world automated transit services.
Operating without reliance on connectivity infrastructure, the bus delivers uninterrupted service across remote sections of the park where traditional infrastructure is limited. Live operational data is processed in real time onboard, ensuring that performance remains reliable regardless of environmental challenges such as varying light, weather changes, or mixed-traffic interactions.
By introducing automated public transportation into a highly protected natural environment, ADASTEC is demonstrating how innovation can coexist with preservation. This deployment not only reduces environmental impact through clean and efficient transit but also serves as a model for future automated mobility projects in other parks, rural areas, and underserved regions. The Sleeping Bear Dunes service stands as a testament to ADASTEC’s mission to bring sustainable, connected, and accessible transportation to communities everywhere, even in the most scenic and remote corners of the country.