Along with capital metro − Austin’s transport authority − RATP Dev held a demonstration of and offered rides in an Easymile EZ10 fully autonomous shuttle at University of Texas during SXSW Interactive Festival in Austin, Texas, on 16 and 17 March 2017.
The 12-passenger, all-electric EZ10 runned pre-determined routes on a closed course for the media and the general public throughout each day on March 16th and 17th.
The demonstration was designed to illustrate how Capital Metro and RATP Dev are working together to provide the most modern transportation solutions while endeavoring to reduce emissions and find new, innovative ways for citizens and visitors to move around Austin.
“Today’s event is a great example of Capital Metro and RATP Dev’s joint commitment to building a public transportation system where new autonomous technologies work in collaboration with existing public transit solutions while providing safe and environmentally friendly vehicles,” said Blaine Rigler, Vice President of Bus at RATP Dev and President of McDonald Transit.
“Because transit is not a one-size-fits-all solution to mobility challenges, we are actively working to identify cost-effective technologies that will allow us to better match our services to the needs of the community,” said Wade Cooper, chairman of the Capital Metro board of directors.
RATP Dev has been Capital Metro’s largest bus service provider since 2012, helping to increase ridership and efficiency of the system. RATP Dev helps Capital Metro manage and operate its 269-vehicle fleet providing more than 22 million rides per year, including expanded services to accommodate large increases of visitors during many of Austin’s most popular attractions such as the SXSW festival, Austin City Limits, and Formula 1 Racing events.