Skip to main content

First Transit launches AV pilot

US-based First Transit, in partnership with EasyMile, is to carry out the first autonomous vehicle (AV) passenger shuttle pilot in North America, at the 585 acre Bishop Ranch Office Park in San Ramon, California. The shuttle will connect tenants to multiple transit options including bus, bike and car-sharing services. The AV passenger shuttle is designed to travel short distances using pre-programmed routes. Each shuttle can carry 12 passengers and can operate for 14 hours on a battery charge; it is equi
December 12, 2016 Read time: 1 min
US-based First Transit, in partnership with 8246 EasyMile, is to carry out the first autonomous vehicle (AV) passenger shuttle pilot in North America, at the 585 acre Bishop Ranch Office Park in San Ramon, California. The shuttle will connect tenants to multiple transit options including bus, bike and car-sharing services.

The AV passenger shuttle is designed to travel short distances using pre-programmed routes. Each shuttle can carry 12 passengers and can operate for 14 hours on a battery charge; it is equipped with a sensor and intelligent vehicle system to detect obstacles and avoid collisions.

The shuttle will run a fixed-route stopping at designated stops within the office park. The pilot will begin with two vehicles, each with a customer service agent onboard for passenger questions and information.

First Transit is also providing onsite personnel to provide maintenance for the AV passenger shuttles at a facility provided by EasyMile.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • New York’s Transit Tech Lab launched for 2025
    January 17, 2025
    Annual competition aims to improve public transit in city’s metropolitan area
  • Nordic ticket to ride
    December 4, 2024
    Why is making a multimodal travel plan between Nordic nations so difficult? No wonder planes and cars are so popular, says Søren Sørensen – but a new project means things may be about to change
  • First Swiss AV takes to the roads
    May 15, 2015
    Switzerland is testing its first autonomous vehicle (AV) on the streets of Zurich. Developed in cooperation with Swiss telecommunications group Swisscom, the Federal Department of Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications (UVEK) and Germany’s Autonomos Labs, the heavily modified VW Passat has been equipped with sensors, computers and software. The computer system drives, steers and brakes the vehicle autonomously and detects other vehicles and pedestrians by means of laser scanners, radar and vid
  • Via brings microtransit service in Seattle
    April 29, 2019
    Via has deployed a microtransit service comprising of Toyota Sienna vans to connect residents living in Seattle with more public transport. Via says it is working with King County Metro, Sound Transit and the city to offer a first- and last-mile service in south-east Seattle and Tukwila, a suburb in King County, at no additional charge. Each van can carry up to seven passengers to five Sound Transit Link light rail stations: Mount Baker, Columbia City, Othello, Rainier Beach and Tukwila International Boul