A groundbreaking self-driving shuttle service is set to revolutionize transportation access in rural areas of North Carolina. North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (North Carolina A&T), the largest historically Black college in the country, has unveiled three autonomous vehicles known as Aggie Auto shuttles. These shuttles aim to provide efficient and reliable transportation to disconnected communities in Greensboro and its surrounding areas.
In a one-month pilot program that took place in September 2023, the Aggie Auto shuttles were tested and received positive feedback from students, faculty, staff, and community members. The shuttles were equipped with safety mechanisms and had a human back-up driver to ensure passenger safety and build trust in autonomous vehicles.
The development of these shuttles was a collaborative effort between researchers, faculty, and students from various STEM disciplines at North Carolina A&T. The shuttles were tested at Gateway Research Park’s 2-mile test track, which simulated real-world rural driving conditions.
The introduction of self-driving shuttles in rural areas is expected to overcome the challenges of low population density and low ridership that traditional transit often faces. By providing an efficient and cost-effective transportation solution, the shuttles have the potential to serve underserved communities and meet their transportation needs.
One of the key advantages of the Aggie Auto shuttles is their versatility. With the development of a mobile app similar to Uber or Lyft, individuals would be able to view estimated wait times and the shuttle’s list of stops, making it more convenient and accessible for passengers.
The success of the pilot program has laid the foundation for further advancements in autonomous transportation in rural areas. The research team at North Carolina A&T plans to release the findings of their survey on public perception and trust in autonomous vehicles in the coming months.
As the future of transportation continues to evolve, self-driving shuttles like the Aggie Auto shuttles offer a promising solution for improving transportation access and connectivity in rural communities.
The source of the article is from the blog yanoticias.es