Free and open to the public!

A New Way To Get Around Town

Hop On Board MnDOT’s Destination CAV White Bear Lake Self-Driving Shuttle!

Drawing of the right side of the Bear Track Shuttle

Meet Bear Tracks

MnDOT, through its statewide Connected and Automated Vehicle (CAV) Office, has selected White Bear Lake as one of three demonstration projects in the state. The goal is to provide a safe transportation option to residents in the state, particularly those who may not be able to drive independently or travel easily.

The service is free, open to the public, and the project will:

  • Familiarize the public with Connected & Automated Vehicle (CAV) technology
  • Gather lessons learned for CAV operations in all weather conditions
  • Provide innovative mobility options for persons with disabilities and seniors
About The Shuttle
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How to Ride
How To Ride
The Bear Tracks Shuttle

NOW IN SERVICE! REGULAR HOURS: MONDAY-FRIDAY 9:30 AM – 1:30PM

Map Route

Map of the Bear Tracks Route, showing stops at PAI, The Boulders, Willowood Apartments, and The YMCA
How To Ride

Legend

Legend of the map showing Yellow lines as the shuttle route and purple pins as the shuttle stops

Did you know?

A safety operator will be onboard the shuttle at all times to verify the safe operation of the vehicle and aid passengers as needed.

Where & What: Project Background

  • Bear Tracks is a research and demonstration project that involves a low speed (10-12 mph), self-driving, electric, multi-passenger shuttle operating in White Bear Lake, MN for one year.
  • The shuttle can carry up to eleven seat-belted passengers at this time and up to one wheel chair passenger at a time.
  • Free for the public to ride.
  • The shuttle’s route is 1.5 miles long and serves a White Bear Lake residential street connecting a day program for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, affordable housing, and the community YMCA.

Stops

Stops on the route:

  • PAI Inc.
  • The Boulders
  • Willow Wood Apartments
  • White Bear Area YMCA

Public interested in riding the shuttle can board at the YMCA, and should park at the west end of the lot.

When

Carrying public passengers August of 2022 – July 2023
Monday - Friday
9:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Check this website for schedule updates.

Why: Project goals

Research & Demonstration

This is a research and demonstration vehicle and project and we expect to learn a lot from the project and learn about its current limitations. Key goals include:

Advance Technology

Help advance technology so it could one day be realistic transportation option for communities

All Weather Conditions

Advance the safe operation of connected & automated vehicle technology in all weather conditions including snow, rain and freezing temperatures

Shared Learning

Testing allows us to learn and share our and your ideas to ensure technology like this meets EVERYONE’S needs.

Improve The Future of Minnesota

Connected and automated vehicles have the potential to provide many benefits to Minnesota residents, businesses and visitors, including:

Increased Safety

More Inclusive Planning & Greater Access & Mobility

Economic & Workforce Development

Improved Environment

More Efficient Movement of People & Goods

Who: Project Partners

PROJECT LEADER

Minnesota Department of Transportation

CONSULTANT PROJECT MANAGER

AECOM

SHUTTLE OPERATOR

NewTrax Collaboration in Motion
Destination CAV
Navya Self-driving Made Real
Ramsey County
Minnesota State
The YMCA
White Bear Area Chamber of Commerce Service The Northern Metro
WBL 624
University of Minnesota
Minnesota State
There are no upcoming events at this time.

Bear Tracks service is temporarily paused so necessary technical upgrades can be performed on the shuttle. Upgrades are expected as a part of any demonstration project, and help enhance safety for passengers and shuttle operator. We will share updates when operations resume.

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