Autonomous shuttle pilot launches in Altamonte Springs

The City of Altamonte Springs in Florida has launched an autonomous shuttle service pilot which aims to extend mobility options and access to goods and services for residents, visitors and businesses.

The State of Florida’s Department of Transportation chose the city to serve as a testbed for AV shuttles and provide data on implementing the technology in other municipalities.

In collaboration with autonomous mobility specialist Beep, the first phase of the CraneRIDES service launched this week, testing two electric autonomous vehicle (AV) shuttles on a nearly 2.5-kilometre route that connects key points across the city.

“This is a multi-phase project that will run over three years, and each year we will expand the route,” Frank Martz, City Manager of Altamonte Springs, told Cities Today.

“It’s a class three automation, but there’s an attendant on board who can interrupt the automated feature if they need to.

“They’re also on board to serve as a kind of concierge for those who get on the vehicle and welcome them on board, telling them where they’re going and explain the technology to them so they become more comfortable.”

Passengers can download the RideBeep app to track the shuttle in real-time.

Land use

The vehicles will operate seven days a week, with four stops where users can hop on and off free of charge.

“We’ve located the trial in places where it connects with a lot of pieces of land use, and I think that’s one of the most important components of this – is that transit doesn’t stand alone, and nor does land use,” said Martz.

“Both have to be integrated and they have to reflect one another.”

Florida’s Department of Transportation awarded a service development grant to cover half of the US$2.4 million needed for the first three years of operation, with the city covering the rest.

“The state has a vested interest in developing multiple modes of transportation that can efficiently move people. Autonomous vehicles can be part of the solution,” said Florida Department of Transportation District 5 secretary John Tyler.

“With the hundreds of people moving to Florida every day, building new roads cannot be our only focus. Our partnership with the City of Altamonte Springs creates a scalable, replicable model that other Florida communities can now evaluate through hands-on experience because of our CraneRides AV partnership with the city.”

Image: Cranerides