METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Calif. autonomous vehicle program to solve first, last mile issues

The city envisions the autonomous vehicle shuttles to provide on-demand, point-to-point transportation within the city, with users requesting a ride using their smart phones, according to a city release.

April 11, 2016
Calif. autonomous vehicle program to solve first, last mile issues

courtesy Government Fleet Magazine

2 min to read


courtesy Government Fleet Magazine

The City of Beverly Hills, Calif. passed an initiative to develop an autonomous vehicle (AV) program for public transportation.

The City Council hopes this will address “first and last mile” issues related to the Los Angeles Metro's expansion into the city.

Ad Loading...

“This is a game-changer for Beverly Hills and, we hope, for the region,” said Mayor John Mirisch. “Beverly Hills is the perfect community to take the lead to make this technology a reality. It is now both feasible and safe for autonomous cars to be on the road.”

LA Metro’s subway extension, which is expected to be operational by 2026, will include two stops in Beverly Hills but no new public parking is planned. The City envisions the autonomous vehicle shuttles to provide on-demand, point-to-point transportation within the city, with users requesting a ride using their smart phones, according to a city release.

The City plans to develop partnerships with AV manufacturers such as Google and Tesla, work with regulators and policymakers and create a white paper outlining the AV program.

Craig Crowder, fleet manager for the City of Beverly Hills, who will be a member of the committee to research the project, is excited about adopting the newest technology into the city fleet. But he admits the city is just beginning.

“There are a lot of hurdles to overcome at this point,” he said. These include vehicles not yet being available and state and federal regulations.

Ad Loading...

A number of companies are predicting they will have AVs on the market in two to five years.

More New Mobility

Officials and community leaders cut a ribbon in front of a Pace On Demand shuttle bus outside Rolling Meadows City Hall to celebrate expanded on-demand transit service in northwest Cook County.
New Mobilityby News/Media ReleaseMarch 9, 2026

Chicago Pace Expand On-Demand Transportation Program

The expanded service builds on Pace’s growing On Demand network and is intended to improve access to destinations such as medical appointments, schools, shopping, employment centers and connections to the regional transit system.

Read More →
A vehicle that will be used for MARTA's Reach mobility program.
New Mobilityby StaffMarch 2, 2026

Atlanta's MARTA Set to Launch New On-Demand Transportation Service

An important part of the authority’s NextGen Bus Network, MARTA Reach will bring transit service directly to the rider’s location and offer a seamless link to the broader rail and bus system.

Read More →
A black and blue HOLON urban autonomous vehicle on a city street.
New Mobilityby Elora HaynesFebruary 26, 2026

CharterUP Moves to Scale Autonomous Shuttle Deployments Through HOLON Partnership

The partnership aims to accelerate the rollout of electric, high-capacity autonomous shuttles for campuses, airports, transit systems, and more.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Portrait of Joshua Schank, Ph.D., alongside the ACES Mobility Coalition logo.
Managementby StaffFebruary 16, 2026

ACES Mobility Coalition Selects Joshua Schank as New Executive Director

Veteran transportation innovator to lead coalition as it pushes nationwide expansion of shared autonomous mobility.

Read More →
David Carol, Baker Alloush, and Jesse Lazarus from METRO's People Movement February 4 edition.
Managementby Staff and News ReportsFebruary 4, 2026

New Rolling Stock Strategy Lead at New York MTA and More in People Movement

In this edition, we cover recent appointments and announcements at HDR, NCTD, STV, and more, showcasing the individuals helping to shape the future of transportation.

Read More →
New Mobilityby StaffJanuary 30, 2026

Chicago's Pace Expands VanGo Mobility Program

The service is a flexible, reservation-based transit service designed to close the first- and last-mile gaps and connect riders to employment for just $5 per day.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
SponsoredJanuary 22, 2026

5 Costly Myths About Paratransit Vehicles

What agencies often overlook when selecting vehicles.

Read More →
Busby StaffJanuary 22, 2026

Biz Briefs: BART, Uber Launch Partnership and More

Stay informed with these quick takes on the projects and companies driving progress across the transportation landscape.

Read More →
SponsoredJanuary 19, 2026

Fleet Software ROI: Boost Uptime & Safety

Transit agencies depend on safe, reliable vehicles to deliver consistent service. This eBook examines how next-generation fleet software helps agencies move from reactive processes to proactive operations through automated maintenance, real-time safety insights, and integrated data. Learn how fleets are improving uptime, safety outcomes, and operational efficiency.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Transit signal priority and public transit agencies.
New Mobilityby Alex RomanJanuary 16, 2026

How AI is Redefining Transit Operations and Signal Priority

In a recent episode of METROspectives, LYT CEO Timothy Menard discusses how artificial intelligence, cloud connectivity, and real-time data are transforming traffic management, boosting bus reliability, and enabling system-wide transit optimization across cities.

Read More →