Shaun Stewart, Waymo Chief Business Development Officer and Scott Smith, Valley Metro CEO shake hands over forging a new partnership that will help drive the future of transportation. Photo: Valley Metro
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Shaun Stewart, Waymo Chief Business Development Officer and Scott Smith, Valley Metro CEO shake hands over forging a new partnership that will help drive the future of transportation. Photo: Valley Metro
“This is the first partnership between a public transit system and a private autonomous vehicle company that will provide a mobility service outside of a controlled environment,” said Scott Smith, Valley Metro CEO. “Think of it as the start of mobility on demand or mobility as a service.”
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An exploration of using AVs as another mode of transportation for public transit, as well as the potential of expanding public/private transit partnerships. Valley Metro and Waymo believe that transportation and mobility on demand will be transformed through these types of partnerships.
Valley Metro RPTA and Valley Metro Rail Board members unanimously approve the technology partnership between the agency and Waymo.From left: Mesa Mayor John Giles, Tempe Vice Mayor Robin Arredondo-Savage, Gilbert Councilmember Brigette Peterson, Glendale Vice Mayor & Valley Metro RPTA Chair Lauren Tolmachoff, Chandler Councilmember Kevin Hartke, Phoenix Mayor & Valley Metro Rail Chair Thelda Williams, Scottsdale Councilwoman Suzanne Klapp and Valley Metro CEO Scott Smith. Photo: Valley Metro
The Pilot Project The pilot will support first and last-mile connections to transit stops, centers and park-and-rides and could evolve into augmenting some of Valley Metro’s more on-demand services. Test groups will also have the opportunity to travel using AV to local destinations to support the collection of additional data.
The pilot self-driving vehicle service sets up the potential to safely and cost-effectively serve travelers who may not have walkable access or vehicle options to reach public transit. A self-driving vehicle does not travel on a specific route, so it will attract riders located beyond walkable distances to transit stops.
How it Works The pilot begins in August. A two-year pilot to expand the test group is planned after an evaluation of an initial three months of service experienced by public transportation professionals.
Waymo self-driving vehicles will arrive “on demand” through an app that’s available to test groups provided by Valley Metro.
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The pilot will be focused in the southeast Valley where Waymo vehicles have been gathering travel data. Additionally, the agency will be collecting trip information including travel patterns, ease of access and user satisfaction and feedback.
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.
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