Cruising Fremont Street just got high tech! The Fremont Street East district, just off Fremont Street Experience, is the site of the very first driverless public transit vehicle to operate in the U.S.
Guests can ride the first autonomous shuttle ever to be deployed on a public roadway in the U.S., and it’s free!
The shuttle route doesn’t go too far, but it’s a novel experience nonetheless. The shuttle service runs between Flippin’ Good Burgers & Shakes and the Downtown Container Park.
The self-driving shuttle is a partnership between NAVYA, Keolis and the city of Las Vegas.
Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn G. Goodman and other officials were on-hand at the launch of the shuttle service, the beginning of a week-long pilot program. The pilot program runs Jan. 11-20, 2017.
The shuttle carries up to 12 passengers, and runs on battery power.
The autonomous shuttle is a blast to ride! It pauses at crosswalks and stops at intersections, and uses sophisticated GPS and sensor technology to avoid pedestrians and other vehicles.
For the pilot period, a representative of NAVYA (the company that developed the shuttle) will be onboard at all times, mainly to comfort those who perhaps aren’t completely comfortable with a driverless vehicle.
If you’re up for a ride, just look for the “Board Here” signs.
There’s always something new and fun to do in downtown Las Vegas!
WHAT ABOUT HANDICAPPED PEOPLE? IS THERE A RAMP OR LIFT?
You’ll want to check with our friends at the City of Las Vegas about that. This is a test, not the actual implementation of a new transportation system.