Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) started another test run of its autonomous shuttle, AVA, in Dunedin, Fla., which will operate in the area through the summer.
This next test run follows a successful deployment along the St. Petersburg bayfront.
AVA riders in Dunedin will experience a different automated vehicle than the one used in St. Petersburg, which carried nearly 5,000 riders over five months. The on-going testing is a partnership between PSTA and Beep, and it receives funding from the Tampa Bay Area Regional Transit Authority (TBARTA). AVA is short for Autonomous Vehicle Advantage.
“We are beyond excited for the Dunedin community to try this all-new experience with AVA,” said Brad Miller, CEO of PSTA. “We invite people of all ages to enjoy and leave with a better understanding of how technology can help enhance safety all while providing clean-energy solutions that could transform transportation.”
In Dunedin, AVA will be testing two routes in the city of Dunedin that align with the remaining Toronto Blue Jays spring training games at TD Ballpark and the summer months for Downtown Dunedin.
AVA will service Douglas Avenue between Main Street and the stadium. Following the conclusion of spring training and before the start of summer, AVA will spend the rest of the time in Dunedin along Main Street, Broadway Avenue, Scotland Street, Douglas Avenue, Wood Street and Highland Avenue until the end of the pilot in August 2021.
Riders who experienced AVA in St. Petersburg will be familiar with the schedule because it will keep the same operating hours and days, Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
The shuttle uses an array of sensors outside of the vehicle providing a full 360-degree view of the environment. An on-board shuttle attendant, or copilot, serves as an ambassador for the riders to learn more about the technology and oversee the passenger experience.
"TBARTA strongly supports innovative transit development and recognizes our transportation future needs new technologies that are efficient and sustainable," said David Green, executive director of TBARTA. "This project is a great way to further that cause. We look forward to feedback from this demonstration in Dunedin and are excited about what the future holds for our region."
The functionality of the shuttle is enabled by a safe, pre-determined planned route. AVA is equipped with multiple onboard LiDAR sensors and GPS tracking to ensure the path is maintained during operation. The vehicle performance is monitored by an onboard shuttle specialist as well as Beep’s Global Command Center located in Orlando. The vehicles are 100 percent electric, cost less than $30 per month to charge and react 10 times faster than a human can, while never getting distracted from the roadway.
“We are proud to partner with PSTA, the city of Dunedin and TBARTA as we advance the use of important new mobility solutions for safe and clean driverless transportation. PSTA’s commitment to test autonomous shuttles in first-mile/last-mile use cases is a great reflection of their emphasis on innovation,” said Joe Moye, Beep CEO. “Our public-private partnership on this project will test how we can deliver mobility for all in our downtown corridors while also reducing personal vehicle usage, improving safety, advancing connectivity and enabling a sustainable means of transportation for the future.”
The autonomous shuttle will operate at a maximum speed of 15 mph as part of a three-month pilot. Riders will be required to wear a seatbelt and use a face covering while on the shuttle. Passengers can expect processes and procedures onboard that align with best practices for ridesharing and transit according to federal guidelines such as frequent cleaning procedures and a modified seating capacity. Passengers are limited to one round trip.
