Automated Driving Systems
Overview
The Automated Driving Systems (ADS) project is one of six projects that make up the Contra Costa Transportation Authority’s (CCTA’s) INNOVATE 680 program. The program seeks to implement a carefully curated suite of projects that, when operating together, will address corridor-wide congestion, travel delays, and long-standing operational challenges along Interstate 680 (I-680). The Automated Driving Systems project will deliver greater mobility access and choices to transportation-challenged, underserved communities while preparing for the future of mobility for all corridor residents.
In 2019, CCTA was awarded a $7.5 million grant by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) to conduct three groundbreaking pilot projects. These pilot projects will address current mobility needs while advancing standards for automated driving systems in the U.S. by gathering essential data on performance and safety measures with CCTA’s partners at GoMentum Station.
Pilot Projects
Goals
Advance development of Automated Driving Systems nationwide
Increase connectivity and accessibility for transportation-challenged communities
Reduce traffic congestion and travel time
Promote environmental sustainability
Increase safety on our roads
Promote better health
Project 1
Rossmoor Senior Community First Mile / Last Mile Shuttles
Walnut Creek, CA
Autonomous vehicles (AVs) can keep seniors active and connected; greatly improving their daily lives.1 The Rossmoor First Mile/Last Mile pilot project is a shared AV trial that will connect a Walnut Creek senior community with essential goods and services, providing greater transit accessibility and independence for the community’s residents. These shuttles will be slow-moving (less than 25 miles per hour) with an attendant on board. Data gathered during the pilot project will be used to expand safety performance measures nationwide.
Project 2
County Hospital Accessible Transportation Shuttles
Martinez, CA
AVs can help people lead healthier lives. Each year, 3.6 million Americans miss medical appointments due to unreliable transportation.2 The County Hospital Accessible Transportation Shuttle pilot project aims to provide on-demand, wheelchair accessible AV shuttle service for people who don’t have reliable transportation to medical appointments and hospital services. The AV shuttle would operate at a maximum speed of 50 mph with an operator on board. The service is expected to result in fewer missed appointments, fewer emergency room visits, greater use of the hospital, and, thus, better health outcomes.
Project 3
Personal Mobility on I-680 Corridor
San Ramon, CA
AVs can prevent traffic jams and reduce gas usage by 42%.3 The Personal Mobility pilot project will install necessary technologies along a two-mile stretch of I-680 to prepare for the future of connected and automated vehicles (CAVs). This pilot project will allow testing of a range of AVs for safe integration onto the roadway alongside traditional vehicles. The project represents a first step in studying what kind of benefits result from AVs traveling up to 65 mph on major highways. Expected benefits include fewer accidents, less traffic, and greater efficiency of shared transport.