The Pennsylvania House Democratic Policy Committee recently held a hearing on a bill that would allow the state’s department of transportation to authorize the operation of an autonomous shuttle vehicle on an approved route.
Those who testified included Secretary of Transportation Leslie Richards; Eric Rensel, on behalf of the Automated Vehicle Coalition; and representatives from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, and Hershey Entertainment.
Speakers supported the bill and testified they believe it will be beneficial to transportation safety, the local job market, and the state’s economy.
“Shuttles can be used to enhance existing transit services by providing first/last mile connections,” Richards said. “Shuttles can supplement existing services during periods of high demand and outside normal hours of operation. Shuttles can support underserved communities where it is cost prohibitive to implement traditional mass transit services.
“Low speed automated shuttles have been deployed, or are in the process of being deployed, in over 20 states, including neighboring states such as Ohio, Maryland, and New York. Shuttles have been utilized on college campuses, in central business districts, between corporate campuses, in underserved neighborhoods, and even at the Super Bowl.”
The bill now moves to the House Transportation Committee.