The future of transportation is taking root in the city of Tampa. The Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority recently selected Stantec to provide Autonomous Mobility Services for the Marion Street Transitway.
This project is the first continuously operated shared autonomous project in the United States that will function in an open environment on public roads with mixed traffic.
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A downtown autonomous vehicle (AV) service will address current mobility needs in downtown, and act as a catalyst project for further autonomy in transportation throughout the Tampa Bay region.
HART CEO, Katharine Eagan
One year pilot program begins in 2018
HART will launch the one year pilot program in early 2018, with an option for an additional four years should it prove successful. The self-driving shuttle, which will be equipped with advanced technology and connected vehicle technology to transport passengers along the corridor during daytime hours, will travel up to speeds of 25mph.
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Fox 13 reports that HART will have the buses running in time for the NHL All-Star Game the weekend of January 27. The program represents a partnership between HART and the Florida Department of Transportation to help answer the transportation needs in the downtown Tampa.
The FDOT set aside up to $1 million in funding for an autonomous vehicle circulator service connection between Marion Transit Center (1211 North Marion Street) and the central downtown area. The circulator will run along the controlled access Marion Transitway.
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