Driverless Shuttle Pilot Now Operating in Denver

Take a sneak peak at a potential future.

1 minute read

February 5, 2019, 11:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


RTD 61AV

RTD's 61AV driverless shuttle. / Regional Transportation District

Jon Murray reports on the debut of a driverless shuttle, working a free circular route operated by Denver's Regional Transportation District.

The 61AV, as the route is called, runs every 15 minutes from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays, mostly using public streets, according to Murray. "It connects the 61st Avenue and Peña Boulevard commuter rail station to … well, not much — at least not yet."

"But there’s a long way to go before shuttles such as the six-seat EZ10 designed by EasyMile, a French company that placed its U.S. headquarters in Denver, are common sights on urban streets," according to Murray.

The long road ahead is apparent in the modest scope of 61AV. The route is considered a "low-pressure testing ground" for lessons in the role autonomous vehicles can play in addressing first-last mile obstacles. In fact, "[t]he goal with the pilot is not to attract a large ridership, though new apartments are set to open soon at one stop."

The feature-length article includes more details on the ambitions of the project, how the driverless shuttle works, and expectations for humans to adopt this new mobility technology.

Monday, February 4, 2019 in The Denver Post

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

September 30, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

The mayor of Baltimore speaks into a microphone in front of a rally for more state transportation funding from Maryland.

‘Going backwards:’ Baltimore mayor, students rally against state's transit funding plan

Maryland's proposed six-year plan provides no funding for Baltimore’s BMORE bus program and reduces its road maintenance funding.

October 2, 2026 - Baltimore Sun

A rendering of the waterfront development, which shows a lit-up stage by the waterfront and people walking about.

Detroit to transform waterfront with $2.2 billion investment

Developers will convert about 18 acres of unused parking lot space into civic spaces.

October 2, 2026 - ABC 7

Gavin Newsom gesturing with both hands out behind a podium.

Newsom vetoes high-speed rail supervision bill after agency receives condemnatory audit

The audit found the CHSRA approved almost $600,000 in unallowable travel expenses.

October 4 - Cal Matters

The Seaglider, a plane-shaped vehicle with four wings that curve sharply towards the sea after a few feet.

Nation sees first electric plane-boat hybrid take off in public demo

The Viceroy Seaglider can fly at speeds of 180mph for up to 180 miles.

October 4 - Smart Cities Dive

A data center. It is a low, white building, seen from above.

One of nation’s poorest counties to receive $6 billion data center

The developers estimate the project will create 200 permanent jobs and 1,000 temporary construction jobs.

October 4 - Mississippi Today

FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?

After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.

Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold

The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.

Senior Planner

City of Thousand Oaks

Community Development Director

City of Wisconsin Rapids

Professor of Urban Planning

Harvard University Graduate School of Design