CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (January 14, 2020) – The Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority (CCRTA) introduced the first autonomous shuttle in the region during a VIP event at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. The shuttle service is one of the first in the nation to operate on a complex route, exposed to vehicular and pedestrian foot-traffic. The shuttle’s model is the EZ 10 generation III, which is the first to be operated in North America, and like its predecessors, is a zero-carbon emissions vehicle.
The shuttle was manufactured by driverless technology company, EasyMile, and will be operated by CCRTA contractor, MV Transportation, Inc. The vehicle arrived in mid-November to map and test the route, while employees and first responders conducted emergency operations training.
“Our number one priority with all of our transportation services is safety. We want to ensure our riders and community that riding the autonomous shuttle is safe,” stated Jorge Cruz-Aedo, CCRTA Chief Executive Officer.
The vehicle and route will not be on any public streets and were developed to service a growing university facing the challenges of limited parking and traffic congestion. Individuals can use CCRTA transportation to arrive on campus before connecting to the shuttle. The innovative service can hold up to twelve riders and has a built-in access ramp for those with disabilities.
“This new shuttle is one more way the Island University continues to lead in cutting edge innovation and the use of new technology,” said Dr. Kelly M. Miller, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi President. “We are excited to partner with CCRTA on this project that will enhance campus life and show how research turns into usable innovations.”
About the Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority: The Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority was created by the people in 1986 to provide quality transportation and enhance the regional economy in a responsible manner consistent with its financial resources and the diverse needs of the people. The CCRTA covers 846 square miles of service and almost five and a half million passenger trips annually with 35 fixed routes, paratransit, and van pool services. Visit our website at http://www.ccrta.org.