On Tuesday, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner unveiled the METRO transit Authority’s new autonomous shuttle, part of the city’s move toward zero-emissions vehicles.
During an update on the city’s transition to cleaner transit, Turner provided first looks at the autonomous shuttle, FutureLink, another stepin transforming the region into a leader in innovative and eco-friendly transportation.
“FutureLink represents the intersection of innovation and sustainability,” said Mayor Turner. “METRO continues to pioneer change and today, we celebrate METRO’s commitment to advancing our city’s vision for the future in which transportation is safe, equitable, and resilient.”
FutureLink, part of the second phase of METRO’s autonomous vehicle (AV) testing program, is a fully autonomous zero-emission shuttle capable for operation on city streets, officials said. The shuttle will provide residents with connections between Texas Southern University and METRO’s Eastwood Transit Center. The mid-size level 4 autonomous, zero-emission shuttle bus can accommodate up to two wheelchairs, and seat up to 14 passengers.
“At METRO, we believe that innovation and sustainability are not just responsibilities, but opportunities to create a better tomorrow,” METRO Board Chair Sanjay Ramabhadran said. “We are passionate about building a thriving, livable, and equitable future for the Houston region, and we are working hard to make it a reality for generations to come.”
The project was funded through the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) as part of its Accelerating Innovative Mobility program. Phase 2 of the pilot program is expected to run through October 2024, with a final report on the project slated for completion in March 2025.
“Today, we’re excited to share the first viewing of METROLink, Houston’s shuttle of the future,” METRO Chief Innovation Officer Kim Williams said. “Once deployed, it will be one of the first mid-size autonomous transit shuttles in the country.”