US public transit agencies join forces to drive AV reform

Nine US public transit agencies and tech firm Beep have formed a new association to advance the development of autonomous vehicles (AVs) across the country.

The Automated Connected Electric Shared (ACES) Coalition will focus on shared-use passenger transport and educating policymakers on the impact these systems can have.

The coalition will advocate for a legislative and regulatory framework that “encourages the deployment of smarter and safe shared transport options”.

Speaking to Cities Today, Frank Martz, City Manager, Altamonte Springs – one of the group’s founding members – said he believed shared mobility “offers public agencies safe and efficient alternatives to single-occupant vehicles”.

“Cities, counties, and other transport agencies must diversify the mobility choices available to residents and patrons, with a focus on safety and convenience to encourage mode switch,” said Martz.

“AV technology is safe and efficient, and can be deployed without having to create legacy fixed guideway footprints that are hard and expensive to modify.”

Collective voice

Along with the City of Altamonte Springs in Florida, eight public agencies have joined the initiative –  Contra Costa Transportation Authority; Houston Metro; Jacksonville Transportation Authority; Lynx; Metra; MetroLINK; Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority; and The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada.

Autonomous mobility solutions company Beep is the first private sector member of the group so far.

“Cities around the world are exploring many types of shared mobility options in order to move people within activity centres safely and efficiently,” added Martz.

“But there remain some regulatory barriers that can slow or block sensible innovation, making it harder for cities to engage solutions that could work for their communities.

“It will take the collective voices of cities expressing an urgency for helpful reforms to be made.”

CraneRIDES

In July 2023, Altamonte Springs launched its CraneRIDES AV service, with two shuttles programmed to travel on a fixed route through the city, stopping at four locations adjacent to popular shopping and recreation destinations.

The corridor is marked with high-visibility signage and shuttle icons painted on the pavement, with the vehicles restricted to streets with lower traffic flow and within the defined project area and route.

The vehicles are 100 percent electric, free to ride, and have a trained attendant on board to answer questions from passengers and resolve any technical issues.

The AVs are capable of carrying eight passengers, and can travel at a maximum speed of 15 miles per hour – with plans to increase this to 30 miles per hour by 2025.

Image: altamonte springs