Organizers
Katie Turnbull, Texas A&M Transportation Institute, Chair
Cynthia Jones, DriveOhio
Lily Elefteriadou, University of Florida
Bob Brydia, Texas A&M Transportation Institute
Session Description
Participants will learn the latest information on low-speed autonomous shuttles, which are being piloted, demonstrated, and deployed in downtown areas, university campuses, business parks, airports, and other areas. These services focus on enhancing mobility and accessibility, providing first and last mile trips, and improving transportation options for individuals with disabilities. The session will share experiences with low-speed autonomous shuttles and engage participatants in discussing best practices in planning, funding, procuring, marketing, operating, and evaluating this mobility option to help inform decision making, identify research needs, and support future deployments.
Goals/Objectives/Outputs
- Learn the latest on low-speed autonomous shuttle pilots, demonstrations, and deployments.
- Discuss opportunities and issues with deploying low-speed autonomous shuttles.
- Identify research needs, possible problem statements, and potential pilots and demonstrations.
- Discuss methods and opportunities for ongoing communication and collaboration.
Agenda
1:30 PM – 1:45 PM Welcome and Introductions
Katie Turnbull, TTI; Cynthia Jones, DriveOhio; and Kevin Dopart, USDOT
1:45 PM – 2:45 PM Overview of Low-Speed Autonomous Shuttle Projects
Moderator: Katie Turnbull, TTI
Short Presentations on Projects:
- Bishop Ranch Shared Autonomous Vehicle Pilot Program, Jack Hall, Contra Costa Transportation Authority
- Columbus Smart Circuit and other Ohio Projects, Cynthia Jones, DriveOhio
- Minnesota Shuttle Demonstrations, Testing, and Pilots, Jay Hietpas, Minnesota Department of Transportation
- Frisco drive.ai Pilot, Johanna Zmud, Texas A&M Transportation Institute
- 61 AV Project, Bruce Abel, Regional Transportation District
- Downtown Bryan Driverless Shuttle, Sri Saripalli, Texas A&M University
- Texas A&M University Campus NAVYA Pilot, Bob Brydia, Texas A&M Transportation Institute
- Texas Southern University Shuttle, Kimberly Williams, Houston METRO
- Gainsville Autonomous Shuttle, Lili Elefteriadou, University of Florida Transportation Institute
- Automated Shuttle in Finland, Harri Santamala, Sensible 4
2:45 PM – 3:00 PM Break
3:00 PM – 3:20 PM Planning for Low-Speed Autonomous Shuttles
(5 minute presentation, 15 minute discussion)
3:20 PM – 3:40 PM Vehicle and Service Procurement
(5 minute presentation, 15 minute discussion)
- Texas Southern University Shuttle, Kimberly Williams, Houston METRO
- Columbus Smart Circuit and other Ohio Projects, Tom Timcho
3:40 PM – 4:00 PM Implementation and Operation
(5 minute presentation, 15 minute discussion)
- Texas A&M University Pilot Operating Plan, Bob Brydia, Texas A&M Transportation Institute
4:00 PM – 4:20 PM Evaluations
(5 minute presentation, 15 minute discussion)
- Vehicle Testing, Jay Hietpas, Minnesota Department of Transportation
- Ridership, Operations, and User Surveys, Johanna Zmud, Texas A&M Transportation Institute
4:20 PM – 4:40 PM Risks, Challenges, and Research Needs
(5 minute presentation, 15 minute discussion)
- Elizabeth Machek and Joshua Cregger, Volpe Transportation Center, U.S. Department of Transportation
4:40 PM – 5:00 PM Wrap Up, Ongoing Communications, and Collaboration
Discussion of methods for ongoing communication, collaboration, and coordination.
- Katie Turnbull, Texas A&M Transportation Institute and Cynthia Jones, DriveOhio