Connected and autonomous vehicles (CAV) are a growing, transformative mobility solution using vehicle automation systems and connected vehicle (CV) technologies. Autonomous vehicle (AV) systems and CV technologies operate by assessing surroundings with sensors and cameras, as well as communicating with nearby infrastructure and other vehicles. This allows the vehicle to navigate the road network with limited or no human intervention. Emerging CAV technologies have the potential to improve the efficiency of transportation systems, reduce traffic accidents, and enhance quality of life for commuters.

AV Pilot – Phase 1
Phase 1 of the AV Pilot was a collaborative project between UTA and UDOT to publicly test a Level 4 autonomous shuttle within a fixed route and controlled environment. Over a 17-month period, the shuttle provided short-distance passenger trips connecting to transit services and providing circulator services throughout various sites around Utah. Operational and performance data were collected at each test site, as were ridership counts and passenger feedback.

Phase 1 AV Pilot results from the autonomous shuttle recorded 6,878 riders, 98% average autonomous driving time, and 822 passenger survey responses collected. The survey responses showed that 98% of passengers felt safe riding in the autonomous shuttle, 95% have a positive attitude toward AV technology, and 95% said autonomous shuttles could complement public transit. Overall, Phase 1 of the AV shuttle created many learning opportunities for the project team which will help shape the next steps that UTA and UDOT will take in future CAV programs. More information about the autonomous shuttle project and the final report can be found on the links below.

AV Shuttle Pilot Project
Final Report
AV Rider Trust Study

AV Pilot – Phase 2
UTA is currently exploring future opportunities and partnerships for a Phase 2 AV Pilot to advance lessons learned from the Phase 1 autonomous shuttle project. UTA’s Innovative Mobility Solutions (IMS) team is developing plans to integrate and deploy an AV passenger service into the UTA transit network. Phase 2 of the AV Pilot seeks to test and monitor performance of a highly automated vehicle and collect feedback on public perceptions and trust for AV systems operating as a transit service. More information will be announced as project plans and funding become available.

Transit Signal Priority
Connected vehicle (CV) technologies enable safe, wireless communication between infrastructure, personal devices, and other vehicles. Transit signal priority (TSP) uses CV technology to conditionally modify traffic signal timing by holding or extending a green signal when buses are present. Traffic signals are a major source of delay for transit; thus, the use of TSP can ensure buses are given priority at signalized intersections helping to make bus service more reliable, reduce travel time, and decrease operating costs through more efficient bus operations.

UTA’s Innovative Mobility Solutions team developed a TSP Master Plan (Plan) as part of the agency’s efforts to continuously improve its bus service. The Plan seeks to align related agency efforts, guide new TSP initiatives, and plan for expansion of TSP deployment. This Plan also creates more partnering opportunities with the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) to further demonstrate how TSP can contribute to a more efficient and reliable transit network. Click the link below to access the UTA TSP Master Plan Executive Summary.

TSP Master Plan Executive Summary

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