Jan. 28, 2021—Yesterday, the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority in west central Florida and Beep, an autonomous mobility company, welcomed community members with physical disabilities to experience the state's first fleet of all-electric autonomous vehicles, Autonomous Vehicle Advantage (AVA).
Funded by the Florida Department of Transportation, AVA's initial run operates Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. According to a press release, the shuttle functions using eight external sensors. Not truly driverless, the vehicle includes an on-board attendant who oversees the technology and passengers.
"I'm really pleased to be able to participate in this pilot project for PSTA," Gloria Lepik Corriga, a frequent transit rider, says in the release. “PSTA didn't just decide what we should have, they reached out to folks like me for our direct input. I am grateful for this focus on service for all customers."
Image: Beep
