The region’s first autonomous shuttle was introduced by the Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority (CCRTA) during an event at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.
The shuttle service is one of the first in the nation to operate on a complex route, exposed to vehicular and pedestrian foot-traffic. The shuttle’s model is the EZ 10 generation III, which is the first to be operated in North America, and like its predecessors, is a zero-carbon emissions vehicle.
The shuttle was manufactured by driverless technology company, EasyMile, and will be operated by CCRTA contractor, MV Transportation, Inc. The vehicle arrived in mid-November to map and test the route, while employees and first responders conducted emergency operations training.
“Our number one priority with all of our transportation services is safety. We want to ensure our riders and community that riding the autonomous shuttle is safe,” said Jorge Cruz-Aedo, CCRTA CEO.
The vehicle and route will not be on any public streets and were developed to service a growing university facing the challenges of limited parking and traffic congestion. Individuals can use CCRTA transportation to arrive on campus before connecting to the shuttle. The shuttle can hold up to twelve riders and has a built-in access ramp for those with disabilities.
“This new shuttle is one more way the Island University continues to lead in cutting edge innovation and the use of new technology,” said Kelly M. Miller, Ph.D., Texas A&M-Corpus Christi president. “We are excited to partner with CCRTA on this project that will enhance campus life and show how research turns into usable innovations.”
