RIDOT
RIDOT starts testing for autonomous vehicle pilot project. Credit: Rhode Island Department of Transportation.

The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) in the US has started a trial of the self-driving vehicle, which is expected to be rolled-out in Providence in the next few months.

Known as ‘Little Roady’ shuttles, the trial of autonomous vehicles is part of the Rhode Island Transportation Innovation Partnership (TRIP), a multi-agency effort initiated by the island transport department in 2017.

The RIDOT said that the self-driving vehicle pilot programme will help gain an insight into the benefits and shortcomings of integrating the new technology.

Additionally, it will also help improve transit and provide information for communities, the workforce, and policymakers about autonomous vehicles.

Governor Gina Raimondo said: “This is a very exciting day as we kick-off testing of autonomous vehicles, putting Rhode Island on the map as a leader in this new high-tech field in transportation.

“And we’ll do it in a careful and safe manner partnering with institutions of higher education to carefully study and evaluate the service and its integration on Rhode Island roads.”

“We’ll do it in a careful and safe manner partnering with institutions of higher education to carefully study and evaluate the service and its integration on Rhode Island roads.”

The Little Roady Shuttles are fully electric vehicles and are designed to accommodate up to five passengers. During the trial, an attendant will be available in the shuttle to manage the vehicle in case of an emergency.

The shuttles will travel on low-speed roads along the Woonasquatucket River from Olneyville to Providence Station, with 12 stops in between. A fleet of six vehicles will be allowed to travel simultaneously on the road.

The testing period in Quonset will be followed by a similar trail in the Providence, before the final launch of the technology for service. The vehicles will complete 500 miles of testing between the two locations.

RIDOT said that the trail in Providence will focus on testing of all sensors and safety technologies along with obstacle avoidance and operation in all weather conditions.

Rhode Island Public Transit Authority CEO Scott Avedisian said: “This project gives us the opportunity to gain first-hand experience with this new technology and that information will be invaluable when we look ahead to the impact that autonomous vehicles will have on public transportation in the future.”

The shuttles have been developed by May Mobility.