Phoenix to test driverless tech for public transport

Phoenix’s regional transit operator is planning to research and test driverless vehicles for public transportation to gain insights on potential users and applicable service models, according to a recent request for proposals.

The Valley Metro Regional Public Transportation Authority, or Valley Metro, aims to understand the demand for autonomous vehicles (AVs), barriers to users’ access, and infrastructure needs to facilitate their use in future transportation options.

Valley Metro plans to spend US$250,000 during a five-year period to determine the best use of AVs in Phoenix’s metropolitan areas, according to an RFP released earlier this month. The agency may award multiple contractors.

The RFP invites “qualified firms to propose an innovative and flexible transportation model aimed at providing turnkey autonomous vehicle service in various areas of the Greater Phoenix metropolitan area (Region)” and adds that the firm(s) must be able to “operate autonomous vehicle service on-street in mixed traffic conditions on roadways up to and including at posted speed limits”.

High level

The AVs are expected to be at level 4 or 5 as defined by Society of Automotive Engineers J3016 standards, meaning they will not require a human to drive.

The RFP states that vehicles should also be able to drive safely when near pedestrians, bicycles and other automobiles without the need for dedicated lanes or other accommodations.

The vehicles must also have sufficient battery power or quick charging infrastructure to operate throughout the day and be able to hold multiple occupants at a time, including those with disabilities such as wheelchair users.

Valley Metro requests that cars should be equipped with dash cams as well as in-car cameras to monitor the passenger compartment, and must feature controls for routing, scheduling, station stopping and dwell time.

Contractors must share data on the number of passengers, average vehicle speeds, incidents and other elements with Valley Metro or a third party.

Proposals are due by 1 June.

Driverless Ubers

Earlier this week, ride-hailing platform Uber signed a deal with Google’s sister company Waymo to offer self-driving cars through the ride hailing app.

The “multi-year strategic partnership” will make the Waymo driverless vehicles available to Uber for rideshare and food delivery trips, starting in Phoenix.

“We’re excited to offer another way for people to experience the enjoyable and life-saving benefits of full autonomy,” said Tekedra Mawakana, co-CEO of Waymo.

“Uber has long been a leader in human-operated ridesharing, and the pairing of our pioneering technology and all-electric fleet with their customer network provides Waymo with an opportunity to reach even more people.”

“Uber provides access to a global and reliable marketplace across mobility, delivery and freight,” said Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of Uber.

“Fully autonomous driving is quickly becoming part of everyday life, and we’re excited to bring Waymo’s incredible technology to the Uber platform.”

Image: Waymo