Virginia, Hampton Roads Transit to explore using autonomous buses

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DRPT Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation 
Contact: Jessica Cowardin
Office: 804-786-6793
Cell: 804-205-8702
Email: Jessica Cowardin
HRT

Hampton Roads Transit 
Contact: Tom Holden
Office: 757-222-6183
Cell: 757-676-2616
Email: Tom Holden

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: June 6, 2019

Virginia, Hampton Roads Transit to explore using autonomous buses
 ~ New consortium seeks standards for future transit vehicle development ~

RICHMOND – The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) and Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) have joined a national consortium of transit agencies to explore whether autonomous buses can be deployed in select areas of the country, including Hampton Roads.

Autonomous buses are technologically advanced vehicles that can run with either a passive human attendant, or with a fully automated operating system. No full-sized autonomous buses are in use today but the technology that could allow them is developing quickly.

The Automated Bus Consortium (ABC) is being overseen by AECOM, one of the nation’s leading design and engineering firms. AECOM has obtained commitments from 12 agencies, including Hampton Roads Transit (HRT), to serve as the consortium's founding members and to jointly make decisions.

This first-of-its-kind approach may accelerate the deployment of autonomous transit technologies by combining the purchasing power and collaborative decision-making of cooperating agencies.

“The future of transit is now,” said Jennifer Mitchell, Director of the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation. “We are thrilled to engage in this pilot program with our partners at HRT as we work together to achieve our future vision of safe, efficient, and reliable transit services for communities across the Commonwealth.”

To advance understanding and limitations of the technology, the effort will bring together agencies that operate in different climates and unique topographies, from the flat deserts of the American southwest to flood-prone Hampton Roads where congestion and crowded tunnels are common.

Part of the reason for the pilot program is to demonstrate that automated bus technology can navigate and operate reliably in these environments. The consortium will define the best pilot regions and routes, while developing operating plans and automated bus specifications. It also will investigate the regulatory changes necessary for deployment of these vehicles.

The consortium hopes eventually to procure jointly 75-100 automated, full-sized buses. It is not yet known how many would be deployed in Hampton Roads or if HRT would move forward into part the program that includes the purchase of vehicles.

Even if HRT qualifies for some buses, they would be in limited use. The vast majority of HRT's bus fleet will remain operated by men and women behind the wheel for the foreseeable future.

“This is an exciting time for public transportation,” said William Harrell, President and CEO of HRT. “Leveraging emergent technologies in automation may lead to greater operating efficiency while also enhancing the customer experience. We also hope this will help us assess our training needs as the technology evolves.”

Autonomous transit vehicles are being used in limited circumstances and select locations, typically as smaller, shuttle type vehicles. The research will help HRT determine if the technology is right for the Hampton Roads before committing financial resources to purchase these buses.

The consortium will also study the federal, state, and local regulatory framework to understand what changes are needed to allow autonomous vehicles to safely operate on the streets and highways. Currently, Virginia law does not allow fully autonomous vehicles to be operated without an attendant present.

To learn more, visit: www.automatedbusconsortium.com

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About the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation
DRPT’s mission is to improve the mobility of people and goods while expanding transportation choices in the Commonwealth through rail, public transportation, and commuter services. DRPT is committed to ensuring that no person is excluded from participation in or denied the benefits of its services on the basis of race, color, or national origin as protected by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.