Release Date: June 19, 2019
Media Hot Line: 713.739.4040

Region's First Autonomous Shuttle Aims to Connect Communities

An autonomous shuttle is carrying passengers for the first time ever in the Houston area. It operates along a one-mile stretch known as "Tiger Walk" on the campus of Texas Southern University (TSU). The 12 passenger EasyMile shuttle, operated by First Transit, is being tested as part of a research project. It will study autonomous vehicle technology and its potential to help transit agencies better serve smaller neighborhoods and hard-to-reach areas by connecting them to public transportation. 

"When passengers board this all electric vehicle they will be riding into the future and experiencing a mode of transportation that in just a few years may become commonplace," said METRO Chair Carrin Patman.

A ribbon-cutting event was held today to commemorate the historic project's launch. Officials from METRO, TSU, Houston-Galveston Area Council, First Transit and other project partners were among those who attended. 

Phase one of the study will last into the fall semester. Students, staff and campus guests can ride the shuttle during operational hours after signing a consent form. A First Transit operator will be onboard at all times to monitor the environment. Currently, there is no charge for rides. METRO, TSU and project partners plan to extend the shuttle route to connect to METRO's Purple Line and the Eastwood Transit Center in subsequent phases of the study.

Kimberly Williams, METRO's chief innovation officer is leading the effort for the agency. 

"Research conducted by TSU’s Center for Transportation, Training & Research will inform the future direction of this technology for our region and around the world. We will learn how autonomous vehicles perform in a closed loop/pedestrian environment and eventually in mixed traffic," said Williams. 

For information on the shuttle's hours of operations and to sign the consent form click here. 

ABOUT TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY

Texas Southern University (TSU) honors our designation as a special-purpose institution for urban programming and research. TSU is a comprehensive university providing higher education access to the nation’s underserved communities. TSU’s academic and research programs address critical urban issues, and prepares its diverse student population to become a force for positive change in a global society. TSU offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs and concentrations – bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral and professional degrees – organized into 10 colleges and schools on a 150-acre campus nestled in the heart of Houston’s historic Third Ward. The University’s enrollment has a population of more than 9,700 undergraduate and graduate school academic candidates. Texas Southern has been a distinguished educational pioneer since 1927, and the University has become one of the most diverse and respected institutions in Texas. TSU has positioned itself as a proactive leader in educating underserved students and many who are the first in their family to attend college.

The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) is the region’s largest public transit provider, offering safe, reliable and affordable transportation services about 370,000 times per day. Besides operating more than 1,200 buses on METRO’s network, METRORail's system includes the Red Line (Main Street and Northline), Green Line (East End) and Purple Line (Southeast). METRO’s services also include: STAR Vanpool, METROLift, HOV/HOT lanes, Bike & Ride program, Park & Ride, and road improvement projects. Learn more about METRO services at ridemetro.org where you will also find useful tools like the RideMETRO app where you can plan your trip and even pay your fare from your phone.