METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Navya introduces first fully autonomous taxi in N. America

The totally electric-powered AUTONOM CAB, which will be operated by Keolis, is able to carry up to six passengers.

January 11, 2018
Navya introduces first fully autonomous taxi in N. America

A Navya autonomous shuttle. Photo: NAVYA

2 min to read


A Navya autonomous shuttle. Photo: NAVYA

Navya unveiled the first fully autonomous taxi in North America with live demonstrations in the downtown Las Vegas Innovation District this week.

The totally electric-powered AUTONOM CAB, which will be operated by Keolis, provides an intelligent transport service for private or shared trips in urban centers. Able to carry up to six passengers, the autonomous taxi is capable of speeds up to 55 mph, but will average closer to 30 mph as it travels in urban areas to conform with local speed limits. Users can order the vehicle with a dedicated smartphone application, and open and close the vehicle's door to start it up.

The autonomous taxi uses multi-sensor technology with no fewer than 10 Lidar sensors, 6 cameras, 4 radars, 2 GNSS antennae and 1 inertial measurement unit (IMU). These sensors provide at least a triple redundancy across all functions, guaranteeing exceptional reliability. The on-board computer is capable of constantly merging data received by the sensor architecture. AUTONOM CAB's intelligence is based on high-performance steering and detection systems that combine a number of cutting-edge technologies.

Ad Loading...

Outside, the vehicle has a colored light band that communicates with its passengers as well as pedestrians. Inside, the glass compartment provides users with a panoramic view of the city. The vehicle integrated elements such as the connected touch screen, which enables frictionless payment and a range of services for passengers of the AUTONOM CAB.

Current plans are for the AUTONOM CAB to begin service in North America in the second half of 2018.

More New Mobility

Gray and white ZAVIR medium-duty shuttle concepts shown side by side with the ZAVIR logo above them.
New Mobility•by Staff and News Reports•October 5, 2026

ENC Unveils ZAVIR Medium-Duty Electric Shuttle

The new ZAVIR brand targets shuttle and paratransit operations with battery-electric and range-extended electric vehicle options.

Read More →
Help Shape the 2027 Public Transit Conference
Management•by Alex Roman•September 29, 2026

Public Transit Conference Returning to GFX in 2027, Call for Papers Now Open

The Call for Papers is now open, allowing transit agency professionals and industry experts to help shape the PTC educational program by submitting session ideas for consideration.

Read More →
Everett Transit and Community Transit buses
Management•by Alex Roman•September 23, 2026

Everett Transit, Community Transit Outline Consolidation Agreement

The proposed agreement calls for a 50% increase in bus service in Everett, a new microtransit zone, continued paratransit service, and the transfer of Everett Transit operations to Community Transit.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A passenger loads a bicycle onto the front bike rack of a VTA transit bus stopped along a city street.
New Mobility•by Elora Haynes•September 22, 2026

What Multimodal Data Can Tell Transit Agencies About Rider Demand

See how bike-on-bus data is giving transit agencies new insight into rider demand, capacity constraints, and gaps in first- and last-mile connections.

Read More →
Luminator Charts a New Digital Path
Technology•by Alex Roman•September 14, 2026

From Hardware to Digital Partner: Luminator Charts Its Next Chapter

CEO Magnus Friberg discusses Luminator’s shift toward becoming a digital partner, the growing importance of software and interoperability, and how AI can help agencies improve operations and passenger experience.

Read More →
Rendering of an Alstom train in a VIA Rail Station
Technology•by Alex Roman•September 10, 2026

Biz Briefs: Alstom Lands Canadian Contract, LYT to Supply California TSP, and More

In METRO's latest installment, we take a look at recent news from Complete Coach Works, Beep, FlixBus, and more partnerships making headlines across the transportation sector.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A CharterUP branded Holon AV.
Technology•by Alex Roman•August 28, 2026

CharterUP’s Armir Harris on Technology, AI, and the Future of Group Mobility

In a recent episode of METROspectives, CharterUP Founder/CEO Armir Harris discussed the company’s evolution from an online charter bus marketplace into a technology platform supporting public- and private-sector mobility and much more.

Read More →
The Future Hits the Road
Technology•by Alex Roman•August 17, 2026

Jacksonville’s NAVI Project Charts a New Course for Autonomous Public Transportation

Through its NAVI program, JTA is showing how autonomous vehicles, intelligent infrastructure, and coordinated operations can work together to deliver everyday public transportation.

Read More →
Luminator software product example
Technology•by Staff and News Reports•August 14, 2026

Biz Briefs: Luminator Marks Milestone and More

From manufacturers and suppliers to transit agencies and motorcoach operators, these updates offer a snapshot of the projects, partnerships and business moves driving the industry forward.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
An LA Metro bus and railcar.
New Mobility•by Alex Roman•August 7, 2026

New Tricks for Old Bureaucracies: Joshua Schank on Making Transit Innovation Stick

Former LA Metro Chief Innovation Officer Joshua Schank discusses why good ideas aren't enough, how transit agencies can overcome resistance to change, and why today's challenges demand more innovation.

Read More →