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RTD to launch autonomous shuttle near DIA later this month

Posted at 10:35 AM, Jan 24, 2019
and last updated 2019-01-24 12:35:50-05
RTD autonomous shuttle
Photo courtesy of RTD

DENVER – RTD will launch its first autonomous shuttle next Tuesday at the 61st Avenue stop along the A-line near DIA.

The new trial, named the “61AV” project, will feature a total of four stops at the A-line, at the Panasonic building and along 60th Avenue.

The shuttle, which is also 100 percent electric, will be free during the trial run. The shuttle will have someone onboard to assist passengers and answer questions, and it has a wheelchair accessible ramp. The shuttle travels 12-15 mph and will make a loop every 15 minutes.

The vehicle does not have a steering wheel or a brake pedal inside the vehicle and relies entirely on GPS technology and sensors to get around. The new vehicle is designed to test the feasibility of autonomous vehicles as a public transit option.

The shuttle will operate from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.