By now you've probably noticed AVA cruising around Downtown Dunedin. Her bean-like shape and vivid colors make the driverless shuttle hard to miss, leaving many locals curious about PSTA's latest project. From AVA's environmentally-friendly technology to how to catch a ride, here's everything you want to know about one of the first Autonomous Vehicles in Pinellas County!
How does AVA work?
AVA, which stands for Autonomous Vehicle Advantage, is a 100% electric vehicle. It can run for up to nine hours on a single charge, following a pre-programmed route. Without a steering wheel or pedals like regular vehicles, AVA uses state-of-the-art sensor technology to detect pedestrians and obstacles along its route.
Is AVA really driverless?
While technically no one is driving AVA, a copilot is always onboard to ensure customers have an enjoyable experience. When AVA approaches a traffic light or stop sign, the copilot takes over the shuttle's controls. Once the intersection is deemed safe, the copilot lets AVA over the wheel. They're also there to answer any questions riders may have about AVA's technology and amenities.
Image Source |PSTA Facebook
Is AVA safe?
Yes! While the driverless shuttle is currently part of a temporary pilot program, this is more to measure community interest than safety concerns. The shuttle only drives up to 15 mph and is preprogrammed to take certain parts of the route slower when necessary. Additionally, the ample number of sensors gives AVA a significant advantage on the road, making her safer than any human driver.
How is AVA environmentally friendly?
As mentioned above, AVA is an electric vehicle. She runs on electricity generated by a power plant and ultimately burns less fossil fuel than other forms of transportation. AVA also requires less maintenance than vehicles that run on gas and doesn't require any consumable fluids such as brake fluid and air conditioning coolant. All of these factors contribute to making AVA an environmentally friendly shuttle option.
Who can ride AVA?
Anyone in Downtown Dunedin can grab a ride from AVA! Kids under 16-years-old need to be accompanied by an adult. Service animals and companions are also welcome on board. AVA's boarding ramp makes her accessible for those in wheelchairs and with limited mobility as well.
Image Source |PSTA Facebook
What COVID precautions are in place?
Currently, all passengers and copilots are required to wear a mask while riding AVA. You will also be asked to use hand sanitizer upon entering the shuttle and will have access to cleaning wipes on board. While AVA can normally seat up to 15 passengers, capacity is limited to just five riders during the pilot program. Each copilot has their temperature taken at the start of their shift and the shuttles are all thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. Learn more about what COVID precautions are being taken here.
How can I ride AVA?
During the pilot program, AVA will be running on Wednesday through Sunday from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm. The service is entirely free, and the current route runs along Douglas Street from Downtown Dunedin to the TD ballpark where riders can hop off to catch a Blue Jays game. Starting on June 16, a second route will be added along Main Street.
What locals and tourists are saying:
Kathie Nutter was one of the first passengers on AVA in Dunedin just a few weeks ago, and this is what she had to say about her ride:
I masked up, put on my seatbelt & took the FREE ride from Scotland to the Library to go to the ballgame. I was on w a couple who just wanted a round trip! There was someone on to operate it and he told us we were the first passengers! I love this idea and hope it will come to fruition as a full-time mode of transportation.
Stephanie Hayes of the Tampa Bay Times described her experience riding AVA as "futuristic and fun." She even got to witness AVA in action when a man unknowingly stepped in front of the vehicle:
...a guy wandered into the street hawking beads, oblivious to the adorable coral pod bearing down on him. The thing stopped! It saw something with its robot eyes and did not flatten the man! It was like Captain Kirk coolly threatening to destroy the USS Enterprise, knowing it would never happen.
Not everyone who has taken a ride with AVA has been impressed though. Stuart Meyer had this to say about his experience:
Rode it today. Not exactly autonomous as there was and will be an operator. Masks required.
Others don't find the technology trustworthy and are worried that this will cost Dunedin residents more tax dollars than it's worth. The pilot program is only set to run for three months and the future of AVA in Dunedin largely relies on community feedback.
So, what are your thoughts? Have you ridden AVA yet? Let us know in the comments!
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