Public transport provider Transdev this week announced it recently began non-passenger testing on a shared autonomous vehicle (SAV) project with the Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority (LAVTA)—located in Livermore, California in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Transdev says the SAV is designed as a low-speed autonomous vehicle that has a maximum speed of 13 mph. The vehicle will operate in mixed traffic and its route extends just under 1 mile and includes two stops and one traffic light.
When testing is complete, the SAV will improve mobility for riders by providing first- and last-mile solutions for passengers by connecting them between the Dublin/Pleasanton Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) station and nearby locations.
The SAV is 100% electric and comes equipped with cameras, sensors, GPS, and an access ramp. Though it is a shared autonomous vehicle, a Transdev safety operator will be on board at all times. Testing will continue throughout the summer and the vehicle should be ready to accept passengers and start its initial 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. service by late August.
Transdev says the health and safety of its employees, passengers, and communities is the highest priority, and all EPA and CDC approved social distancing and cleaning protocols will be in place during testing, as well as when the service begins accepting passengers.
---------
SOURCE: Transdev
