2nd Driverless, Electric Shuttle Service Launched In Tampa

TAMPA, FL — The Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority and the Florida Department of Transportation have partnered on an autonomous vehicle pilot program that will offer shuttle services to residents and visitors in the downtown Tampa and Tampa Heights areas.

The driverless shuttle provided by the Beep autonomous mobility service will connect Armature Works in Tampa Heights with the David A. Straz Center for the Performing Arts. It will run south from Armature Works along the Tampa Riverwalk to the Barrymore Hotel and the Straz Center with stops at Armature Works, Water Works Park and the Straz Center.

The HART Board of Directors approved the first pilot HART SMART AV pilot program on May 4, 2020, to operate for at least one year with an option to continue for a second year.

HART launched it first autonomous shuttle on the Marion Street Transitway in October 2020.

The second HART SMART AV route from Armature Works to the Straz Center began operating Nov. 15.

The project is fully funded by the FDOT with no required match by HART.

HART said the additional route will allow local and state agencies to test the technology in a city street environment alongside cars and pedestrians.

The Marion Street route was chosen for the pilot to test how the shuttle operated alongside HART fixed-route buses, crossing railroad tracks and navigating traffic lights.

HART SMART AV will operate from Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. The air-conditioned, fully electric, driverless shuttle service is free to the public and can accommodate up to eight people.

The shuttle can travel up to 15 mph in autonomous mode along the fixed route with varying speeds when it encounters crosswalks, approaches stop signs or navigates intersections.

The shuttle has no steering wheel or pedals and will use pre-programmed, state-of-the-art sensor technology. It costs less than $30 a month to charge the vehicle.

Each vehicle will be staffed with a shuttle attendant who is trained on the safety features of the shuttle and has the ability to take over manually at any time.

The attendants will also serve as ambassadors, pointing out attractions in the area and educating the public on how the shuttle operates.

Similar to HART's bus policy, passengers and attendants must wear a face mask and shuttle attendants must undergo a temperature check at the beginning of every shift.

Disinfecting wipes and hand sanitizer stations are available on shuttles for attendants and passengers to use.

The driverless AVA (Autonomous Vehicle Advantage) shuttles are also being used in other Tampa Bay communities including St. Petersburg, Dunedin and Clearwater.