Las Vegas, Nev., became one of the first municipalities in the U.S. to publicly deploy a driverless, electric shuttle on a public roadway. The milestone was reached in early January when the French-made NAVYA autonomous fully electric shuttle took to the streets in the Fremont East Entertainment District.

NAVYA’s driverless, fully automated electric public shuttle debuted on the streets of Las Vegas. Credit: Keolis North AmericaThe vehicle, which navigates city streets alongside everyday traffic, operates at up to 27 miles per hour but will be limited to 12 mph during the trial period. Hours of operation are 10 am to 6 pm.

The pilot was made possible through a partnership between Paris-based Keolis, an operator of public transportation systems worldwide, and NAVYA, also of Paris, which developed the Arma Shuttle.

Launched in 2014, NAVYA specializes in developing so-called smart mobility systems, driverless, automated electric vehicles that are independent of all infrastructure. Its automated Arma shuttle, unveiled in October 2015, is equipped with multiple sensors and an onboard computer system that enables it to interact with and safely navigate its surroundings.

Prior to arriving in Las Vegas for the start of the Consumer Electronics Show, the Arma was tested at MCity, the University of Michigan’s simulated city, or test track, for testing autonomous vehicles in real-life situations.

NAVYA’s shuttles already are in use in France, and Las Vegas could become the first U.S. city to deploy them.