Riverside Introduces the First Fully Self-Driving Public Bus in the U.S.
In a pioneering achievement for public transportation, Riverside, California, has launched the Ohmio autonomous shuttle bus, making it the first fully self-driving public bus accessible to commuters in the United States. This electric vehicle, capable of reaching speeds of up to 25 mph, follows a predetermined route set by the Riverside Transit Agency (RTA) and does not require any manual driving assistance.
A Step Towards Modern Transit Solutions
Commencing on Monday, the pilot program allows the Riverside community to utilize this innovative transportation option. Riverside Mayor Lock Dawson expressed his ambitions for the city, stating, “I like to say I have no lesser ambition than to be the new Detroit for vehicle manufacturing. Riverside is it, we are going to do this for the 21st century.”
Program Overview
Approved by the Riverside City Council in October 2023, this two-year pilot program enables the RTA to operate and maintain three automated, fully electric Ohmio shuttles. The inaugural service commenced at the Riverside Municipal Airport, with additional shuttles planned for downtown Riverside and the University of California, Riverside by the end of the first year.
Distinct Features and Safety Measures
Unprecedented for public transit, Riverside’s autonomous buses map their entire route and require a safety operator solely to assist passengers and maintain communication with the RTA headquarters. Unlike other self-driving shuttles in the nation, which have predominantly operated on private roads or with human drivers, Riverside’s buses represent a clear advancement in automated public transport.
Rider Patrick Gray commented on the experience, sharing his surprise at the technology: “Now, the robots are trying to replace us… it shows us that we are moving into a different age of life.”
Funding and Economic Impact
The $2.5 million financing for the program comes from various sources: the Riverside Transit Agency, South Coast Air Quality Management District, Ohmio, and the city of Riverside. Ohmio is not only deploying these shuttles but has also moved its headquarters from New Zealand to Riverside, establishing the city as its primary site for research, development, and testing of the buses. The company plans to produce between 500 and 750 units over the next five years, expecting to generate over $2 million in sales tax revenue for Riverside.
Community Perspectives
Kimberly Quamina, a veteran RTA employee, has taken on a new role within the program. “I’m hoping to retire on one of these buses, that’ll be nice,” she remarked, highlighting the innovative changes occurring within the agency.
Feedback from passengers has varied. Nataly Zuniga shared her thoughts on the shuttle’s sudden stop in response to a vehicle, indicating that “the detection is too far away,” but affirmed she felt safe overall.
Future of Public Transit in Riverside
Experts like Juan Matute from UCLA’s Institute of Transportation Studies suggest that such advancements will help address gaps in public transit. “In a place like California … these can help fill some gaps that were created,” Matute noted, underscoring the potential of autonomous shuttles in areas with lower ridership.
The Ohmio buses will utilize existing electric vehicle charging infrastructure, with operational speeds initially capped at 15 mph, scaling up as the program progresses. The buses are designed with sensors for environmental awareness and can program stops, adjustable as necessary by the onboard personnel.
Conclusion
As Riverside embraces this cutting-edge initiative, officials are optimistic about the future of public transportation. With the integration of technology and a focus on sustainability, Riverside is poised to set the standard for modern transit solutions.