A local municipality will begin offering shuttle rides in autonomous vehicles to connect major sectors of its city.
On July 24, Altamonte Springs will launch CraneRIDES, a new, autonomous vehicle shuttle service aimed at providing alternative transportation for people to connect to major activity centers.
According to city officials, two completely electric shuttles are programmed to travel on a fixed route through Uptown Altamonte, stopping at four locations adjacent to popular shopping and recreation destinations.
Those locations are the Altamonte Mall, Renaissance Centre, Cranes Roost, and the AMC Theatre.
The shuttles are designed to travel up to 15 mph and may hold up to 8 passengers or 5 passengers and one wheelchair passenger.
The new service is operated by Beep, which is a transportation technology company headquartered in Lake Nona. Riders will be able to track the shuttle locations in real-time through RideBeep, a mobile phone application.
Although the shuttles will be driven autonomously, each vehicle will feature a trained attendant that is available to answer questions, resolve technical issues, and drive the vehicle with an onboard controller, if needed.
The new travel corridor is marked with high-visibility signage and shuttle icons painted on the pavement. The shuttle is also restricted to streets with lower traffic flow and within the defined project area and route.
According to city officials, the shuttles will not operate on State Road 436 or cross over Interstate 4.
The shuttles will operate seven days a week, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and then again from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., staying open an additional hour (10 p.m.) on Friday and Saturday.