TAMPA, FL - Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART) is launching the first, fully electric automated vehicle pilot in the Tampa Bay region funded by the Florida Department of Transportation. Beep, an Orlando-based autonomous shuttle service provider, is partnering with HART to bring its self-driving shuttle to the Marion Street transitway in downtown Tampa. The one-year pilot program opens to the public on Monday, October 12. The free shuttle offers first mile, last mile connection between the TECO Line Streetcar and the Marion Transit Center along North Marion Street.
"HART is proud to be the regional leader in a new era of transportation innovation in Tampa Bay. HART SMART (Smart Mobility Alongside Regional Transit) AV is a first mile, last mile connection from the TECO Line Streetcar in Ybor City to our bus system in northern downtown Tampa. The shuttle is another option for our riders to get to the places that enhance their lives," said HART Deputy Chief of Transportation Ruthie Reyes Burckard.
The driverless shuttle is 100% electric and costs less than $30 per month to charge. HART SMART AV operates without a steering wheel and uses a pre-programmed, fixed route with a combination of localization techniques, involving state-of-the-art sensor technology. The shuttle uses eight sensors on the outside of the vehicle providing a 360-degree view of the environment. An on-board shuttle attendant serves as an ambassador for the riders to learn more about the technology and oversee the high-quality passenger experience. The route includes four stops at Marion Transit Center's Bay F, Kennedy Boulevard, Washington Street and Whiting Street with the option for a future stop at Tampa City Hall.
"The world is getting more automated, shared, and electric. HART announcing this partnership with BEEP shows our Region's continued focus on new technologies that will fundamentally reshape our cities," said State Senator Jeff Brandes (R) District 24.
The Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART) Board of Directors approved the pilot program for at least one year of operation with an option to continue the program for a second year. With the assistance of the Florida Department of Transportation, HART was awarded funding to procure and operate the pilot AV shuttle program. The project is fully funded by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) with no required match on behalf of HART.
"By integrating with other services and initiatives, this project will demonstrate how emerging technologies can help enhance safety and mobility for our community and the traveling public," said FDOT District 7 Secretary David Gwynn.
"HART's new autonomous vehicle project is yet another feather in Tampa's cap as we invest in our multi-modal mobility future while providing clean-energy solutions for transit that will help transform Tampa's tomorrow," said Tampa Mayor Jane Castor.
Beep's proven experience in launching autonomous shuttles on public and private roads interfacing with mixed traffic and pedestrians will allow the transit authority to demonstrate the safe transport of people using autonomous multi-passenger shuttles, advance public adoption of autonomous transportation while proving out the safety benefits of such a service.
"Investments in safer, sustainable, and innovative transportation solutions are more important now than ever to ensure transit agencies like HART can adapt to evolving passenger expectations and needs. The HART SMART AV project is a perfect example of how the most advanced autonomous platforms and services can improve safety, increase access, and enhance the rider experience for all by providing much needed first-mile, last-mile connections to the transit hub and streetcar network," said Beep CEO Joe Moye.
The autonomous shuttle will operate at a maximum speed of 15 mph as part of the one-year pilot. Passengers will be required to wear a seatbelt and use a face covering when riding the shuttle. Beep will take extra measures to ensure the comfort and safety of its riders by allowing for social distancing on-board, disinfecting the vehicle regularly and providing hand sanitizer.
About Beep
Beep is an autonomous mobility solution company delivering the next generation of services for passenger mobility to fleet operators in planned communities and low speed environments across the public and private sector, including transportation hubs, medical and university campuses, town centers and more. From route planning to interactive managed services, Beep's offerings are designed to drive differentiation and innovation, and delight the passengers of our customers. For more information visit: www.go-beep.com
About HART
The Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART) was created in October of 1979 to plan, finance, acquire, construct, operate and maintain mass transit facilities and supply transportation assistance in Hillsborough County. Today, HART provides convenient, affordable public transportation options tailored to contemporary lifestyles. More people than ever in Hillsborough County are discovering benefits of our sophisticated, yet accessible and rider-friendly, network of transit options. We look forward to helping more and more of our community ride HART. www.goHART.org
