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Damera Corporation was proud to participate in the Autonomous Vehicle Day 2025 Conference in Jacksonville, Florida—a gathering of transit leaders, innovators, and technology partners committed to shaping the future of public mobility.
As North American distributor for Karsan, Damera supports partnerships that deliver real, scalable solutions for transit agencies. One of the most promising collaborations underway is between ,manufacturer Karsan Automotive and ADASTEC Corp., combining proven vehicle platforms with cutting-edge autonomous technology to address modern transit challenges.
ADASTEC develops advanced automation specifically for public buses and transit fleets—not experimental shuttles, but robust, full-size and mid-size buses ready for daily service. Their Open Mobility Platform offers a comprehensive, modular system that integrates:
✔ Payment and ticketing systems
✔ First/Last Mile and shared mobility services
✔ Infotainment and passenger communication
✔ Location-based and data-driven operational tools
✔ Onboard safety, security, and surveillance features
Adastec's CEO Dr. Ali Ufuk Peker emphasized during the Autonomous Vehicle Day 2025 Conference that ADASTEC's focus extends beyond technology to include measurable return on investment. Autonomous technology can:
🔹 Further reduce energy consumption by 8% on electric buses
🔹 Significantly lower labor costs and mitigate driver shortages
🔹 Cut human-error-related accidents and insurance expenses
🔹 Reduce total cost per passenger when compared to smaller shuttles or robotaxis
Industry estimates suggest autonomous buses can deliver over $200,000 in operational savings per vehicle, per year—making them a game-changer for transit agencies aiming to optimize budgets and improve service reliability.
Adastec CEO mentioned about our Karsan eJEST buses, that Damera Corporation sells all over America:
“To be able to have the autonomous bus, first—you need a really good bus. This bus already has millions of kilometers on it: the diesel version has more than 10,000 produced, and the electric version has over 1,000 produced and deployed.”
The eJEST is one of the most promising models for advancing of public transit systems in suburban areas of Americas. Damera is proud to offer the Karsan eJEST as part of our electric buses for sale portfolio, supporting transit agencies looking for reliable, right-sized, and future-ready solutions.
The eJEST has passed rigorous testing, including Altoona testing for durability and performance—a key requirement for many U.S. transit agencies. It is also fully FMVSS compliant, meeting federal safety standards, and ADA compliant, ensuring accessibility for all riders.
As a factory-produced vehicle from Karsan, a leading bus manufacturer, the eJEST comes with full OEM warranties. Agencies benefit from manufacturer-grade reliability, service support, and long-term peace of mind.
With a projected lifespan of 12+ years, the eJEST delivers more than immediate operational benefits—it provides stability, predictability, and long-term value for agencies. Fewer vehicle replacements, lower total cost of ownership, and reliable performance over more than a decade allow transit providers to:
✔️ Maximize budgets with confidence
✔️ Phase in clean technology at their own pace
✔️ Build dependable, future-ready fleets that serve evolving community needs
This durability, combined with smart design and accessible features, makes the eJEST a scalable solution for agencies of all sizes. The bus can be serially produced at scale, with the capability to manufacture hundreds of units efficiently and consistently. This high-volume production capacity means transit agencies don’t face delays or uncertainty when expanding fleets. Whether for small pilot projects or full system rollouts, the eJEST offers reliable, repeatable production that supports long-term planning, operational consistency, and seamless fleet integration.
At the Autonomous Vehicle Day 2025 Conference, ADASTEC's CEO invited attendees to see the Karsan eJEST up close—highlighting how this proven, electric minibus provides the perfect platform for scalable, autonomous transit.
We are proud to collaborate with the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA)—a leading multimodal transit agency in Florida dedicated to advancing innovative mobility solutions. As an independent state agency, JTA plays a vital role in shaping efficient, accessible, and forward-thinking transportation for the Jacksonville region.
JTA’s work goes far beyond daily transit operations—they are actively fostering the development of smart mobility, including electric and autonomous technologies. One of the key challenges in advancing autonomous vehicle solutions is scalability: without a sufficient number of buses in operation, technology development, software affordability, and real-world testing remain limited.
JTA’s commitment to expanding fleet size and embracing next-generation transit options helps overcome this barrier. By increasing the number of electric and autonomous-ready vehicles, agencies like JTA create the foundation for more affordable, reliable, and proven mobility technologies that benefit entire communities.
Adastec explores possibilities of the eJEST, as the company has already demonstrated its Level 4 autonomous system on various platforms across 11 countries.
What software and sensor integration can bring to transit agencies:
✔ Over 99.7% autonomous operation
✔ Remote driver oversight for up to 20 vehicles simultaneously
✔ Operation in mixed traffic, adverse weather, and urban environments
✔ Scalable, modular deployment tailored to real transit networks
The company has carefully analyzed how autonomous vehicle (AV) technology can complement zero-emission electric buses, enhancing operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Their findings show that:
✔️ Reduced Energy Costs
• Electric vehicles (EVs) reduce emissions by 50% compared to diesel and CNG, while significantly lowering energy expenses.
• Autonomous technology can further optimize energy consumption by approximately 8%.
✔️ Addressing Driver Shortages and Costs
• On average, each bus requires 3.5 drivers, with annual labor costs ranging from $250,000 to $350,000 per bus.
• AV technology helps mitigate driver shortages, which often lead to underutilized fleets and increased operational costs.
• It also reduces incidents linked to human error, lowering accident rates and insurance expenses.
✔️ Lowering Technology Costs Over Time
• While initial AV hardware and software investments are significant, they represent a relatively small portion of total operating expenses (OPEX) in the long term.
• Scaling deployment leads to reduced costs per passenger, making AV buses more economical than robotaxis or small autonomous shuttles.
In total, autonomous electric buses are estimated to save over $200,000 per year in operating costs per vehicle, making them a highly strategic investment for modern transit agencies.
The combination of Karsan's bus manufacturing expertise, ADASTEC's technology, and Damera's operational support offers transit agencies a clear pathway to better and modern mobility—without sacrificing reliability or passenger safety.
Damera isn't just a supplier—we're your strategic partner for transit innovation. As the exclusive North American distributor of the Karsan eJEST, we provide:
✔ Electric buses for sale tailored to modern transit needs
✔ Full support with fleet electrification, including charging infrastructure
✔ Access to cutting-edge autonomous vehicle collaborations
✔ Expert guidance to help agencies deploy smarter, cleaner mobility solutions
Whether you're looking to electrify your fleet, enhance accessibility, or explore autonomous bus technologies, Damera delivers reliable products backed by real-world expertise.
Ready to transform your transit system? Explore our lineup of buses for sale and discover how Damera helps agencies build the future of public mobility.
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