New Autonomous Shuttle to Launch in Utah

Lt. Governor Spencer J. Cox will join UDOT and UTA officials on the first official ride in the driverless vehicle in Utah

WHAT:

The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT), in partnership with the Utah Transit Authority (UTA), is launching a new Autonomous Shuttle Pilot Project that will travel to communities throughout the state for the next year. Lt. Governor Spencer J. Cox will join UDOT and UTA officials to take the first official ride on the autonomous shuttle. Members of the media are invited to ride the shuttle and observe its responses to obstacles in its path, as well as its accessibility for individuals with disabilities.

WHY:

UDOT and UTA are testing driverless transportation technology to identify opportunities to improve safety, access, and mobility to meet the needs of Utah communities.

The Autonomous Shuttle Pilot Project will give the public its first look at a completely autonomous vehicle – meaning there is no driver, steering wheel or pedals. The shuttle operates up to 15 miles per hour and follows a predetermined route. It reacts in real-time to other vehicles, pedestrians and any obstacles that intervene in its path. The shuttle will begin its tour in May at Station Park in Farmington.

WHEN:

Thursday, April 11, at 10:30 a.m.

WHERE:

West Valley Drivers License Division test track

4501 South 2700 West (Constitution Blvd.), West Valley City

The test track is across the street from UDOT headquarters on the west side of 2700 West (Constitution Blvd.) Please access the test track through the designated gate. A sign will mark the entrance.

WHO:

– Lt. Governor Spencer J. Cox

– UDOT Executive Director Carlos Braceras

– UTA Board Chair Carlton Christensen

– Members of UTA’s Committee on Accessible Transportation

VISUALS:

-Lt. Governor Spencer J. Cox and other officials participating in the first official Autonomous Shuttle ride in Utah

-Demonstration of how the shuttle reacts when a person walks in its path (this will likely occur around 11 a.m.)

-Demonstration of how the shuttle is accessible for individuals with disabilities

-Opportunity for media to ride the shuttle to shoot individual footage

-B-roll of the shuttle in motion during test run: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1yg_mfzos307x1ialQE2WE0MhUX8t5MK-?usp=sharing

-UDOT-

Media Contact:

John Gleason

UDOT Public Information Officer

jgleason@utah.gov

Cell: 801-560-7740