Orlando (TAN): United States’ Orlando is all set to welcome what could be called the future of transport in the city. New autonomous shuttle buses are expected to emerge in the city’s expansive Lake Nona community this spring.
Beep, a Florida-based company has partnered with NAVYA, a French company that specialises in making autonomous vehicles, to trial the driverless buses in Lake Nona. Beep will provide the software, and the latter the shuttles.
Artificial intelligence-driven shuttles
The vehicles are guided by sensors, and can offer smooth rides for up to 15 passengers at a maximum speed of 16 miles per hour. Though the shuttle will drive itself, an operator will be present on board.
To find one of the shuttles, riders will have to use an app to request a pickup.
Beep has not mentioned which routes the shuttles will follow.
Spring will see Orlando move in a whole new way
The first two battery-powered, driverless vehicles could become functional this spring, carrying riders around the developing southeast Orlando community that houses medical facilities, and several other commercial and residential projects.
“Lake Nona continues to be a model of what a smart and connected community can accomplish,” Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings was quoted by media as saying at the announcement.
“Bringing the first all-electric autonomous shuttles to Central Florida is a defining moment for the future of transportation in our region and will help position Orange County as a place to demonstrate new, innovative technology,” he added.
While talking about the first of its kind self-driving shuttle for the region, Orlando mayor Buddy Dyer was quoted by media as saying: “We want to be one of the autonomous vehicle central points of all the United States, so this is a really big announcement today.”
Beep Beep Hurrah!
Beep announced it would be headquartered in Orlando, which according to co-founder Kevin Reid, could provide the right kind of infrastructure the company needs. He also said the shuttles could be an eco-friendly and intelligent mobility option for residents and visitors.
Beep has expressed plans of expansion across the country.
“Move Nona” – an eco-friendly initiative
Christened “Move Nona” by Lake Nona developers, the shuttles could keep air pollution and congestion at bay.
With autonomous vehicles on their way, Orlando joins a growing list of cities worldwide to opt for driverless shuttles such as Las Vegas and Detroit in the United States, Tokyo, and Sydney.
