There is no shortage of autonomous shuttle services operating around the United States, which means there are plenty of lessons to be learned.
Chris Teale surveys the landscape of automated shuttle pilots around the United States and finds a significant number of case studies to choose from.
"Cities including Detroit, Denver, Columbus, OH and Las Vegas have already piloted autonomous shuttle buses, which typically carry 10 people or less on a fixed route through a section of their downtowns," according to Teale.
"Meanwhile, the likes of Providence, RI, Orlando, FL and New York City are set to launch their own service in the coming months, with companies like May Mobility and Optimus Ride among the partners to provide the shuttle technology."
According to Teale, the adoption of autonomous shuttles is widespread enough to start evaluating for lessons on the impact of the services on public transit, the broader urban transportation system, and public perception of autonomous vehicles.
Teale also notes that many autonomous shuttle programs have encountered challenges. "Las Vegas’ pilot program garnered some negative publicity after a minor accident when a delivery truck backed into one of its shuttles," for instance, and "Denver struggled with one of those winter storms just a few months after its Regional Transportation District (RTD) transit agency and its partners launched the shuttle near a commuter rail station and a new development."
Teale also visits the example of Ann Arbor, where autonomous shuttles operates on campus at the University of Michigan. The university already released a report on how to launch a driverless shuttle with lessons specifically about the city's streets and transportation system.
FULL STORY: How autonomous shuttles are changing city transportation
Are We There Yet? AV Shuttles Not Ready for Transit Service, Report Says
According to an assessment of two North Carolina pilot projects, low-speed autonomous shuttles have too many limitations to deploy as a public transit option.
Jacksonville To Replace Monorail With Autonomous Shuttles
The city’s aging monorail system will be repurposed as part of an expanded 10-mile shuttle system.
Optimism for Autonomous Shuttles Despite Recent Setbacks
Two autonomous shuttle companies closed last week, but one industry observer sees reasons for optimism for the long-term viability of the still-speculative market.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
DARTSpace Platform Streamlines Dallas TOD Application Process
The Dallas transit agency hopes a shorter permitting timeline will boost transit-oriented development around rail stations.
Renters Now Outnumber Homeowners in Over 200 US Suburbs
High housing costs in city centers and the new-found flexibility offered by remote work are pushing more renters to suburban areas.
The Tiny, Adorable $7,000 Car Turning Japan Onto EVs
The single seat Mibot charges from a regular plug as quickly as an iPad, and is about half the price of an average EV.
Supreme Court Ruling in Pipeline Case Guts Federal Environmental Law
The decision limits the scope of a federal law that mandates extensive environmental impact reviews of energy, infrastructure, and transportation projects.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Municipality of Princeton
Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission
City of Mt Shasta
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)