Coming soon
In December 2019, DelDOT began developing its autonomous shuttle research program with the receipt of two EasyMile EZ10 Gen 3 shuttles. The shuttles operate test runs on a 22 minute loop on the DelDOT Campus in Dover. Stay tuned to this page for updates on upcoming public events.
Route Map
Where’s the Shuttle?
How AV Tech works
DelDOT’s shuttles operate on a pre-programmed route. The shuttles have stored memory of key features along the current route which is used to navigate without a full time operator.
The shuttles use LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) systems that rely on a combination of sensors, cameras, satellites and GPS signals that detect moving objects in the shuttle’s path. These LIDAR systems create a 3D map of the environment around the shuttle which enables it to stop for a crossing pedestrian, a runaway basketball or a hazardous driver. They also identify the shuttle’s location with incredible accuracy – less than an inch. These features allow the shuttles to predictably travel in the same place, the same way, day after day.
FAQs
Autonomous shuttles are small, electric vehicles carrying up to 12 passengers that rely on technology and pre-programmed software to operate without a steering wheel or pedals. An operator is often on board to monitor the shuttle’s travel and respond to customers during its operation. The DelDOT shuttles carry up to six passengers and always have an operator on board.
Autonomous technology is being explored by the transit industry as a way of improving mobility options to customers. Delaware is studying this technology to understand its function in the larger transportation network and to gauge the public’s response to the shuttles.
The shuttles are operating on a 1.2 mile route at the Danner Farm Campus of the State of Delaware in Dover, Delaware. The Danner Campus is home to the DelDOT administration building and the Dover Division of Motor Vehicles. The shuttles will operate in other locations around the state once feasibility is determined.
Because this is a pilot project, DelDOT, which is headquartered at the Danner Campus, wants to ensure the safe operations of the shuttles in an environment it can monitor closely.
The shuttles were named by Jennifer Cohan, Delaware Secretary of Transportation (2015-2020) to jointly pay homage to innovation and nostalgia with a reference to the popular 60s animated sitcom, the Jetsons.
The vehicle wrap features DelDOT’s mascot, “Wally the Work Zone Warrior” along with DelDOT’s colors.
Currently, the shuttles move at a maximum speed of 10 mph.
The shuttles use LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) systems that utilize sensors, cameras, satellites and GPS signals to detect moving and stationary objects in its path.
The LIDARs detect objects beyond 150 feet from the front of the vehicle. If an object is stationary in the road, the vehicle will come to a careful stop.
In the case of an object being detected at close range by the vehicle, an emergency stop is triggered. The enhanced safety mechanisms of the LIDAR systems can detect objects for which an ordinary vehicle would not stop, such as leaves or road debris.
All passengers, except for the trained shuttle operator, must remain seated and wear buckled seat belts for the duration of the shuttle route. External signage on the shuttle alerts drivers to the shuttle’s sudden stops.
The shuttles currently operate at a maximum speed of 10 mph. The posted speed limit of the Danner Campus is 15 mph. If you must pass the shuttles, drivers must follow all applicable traffic markings.
The shuttles are programmed to drive themselves along a pre-programmed route. Though they conduct many driving functions themselves, operators are still needed to take actions such as start the vehicles, position them on their pre-programmed route, and navigate non-signalized intersections (stops and yields).
No, the shuttle is free to ride.
Stops are marked with the following sign and are located:
- Outside the South entrance of the DelDOT Admin Building
- Outside the main entrances of the Dover DMV, DART-Dover Facility, and Central District Building.
- The full shuttle route is 22 minutes.
Operators undergo many hours of specialized training by the shuttle manufacturer, EasyMile, to safely operate the shuttle. The training is proprietary and is not available to the general public.
The shuttle is operated by employees of DelDOT and Delaware Transit Corporation.
No, the shuttles only operate on a pre-programmed route. This route is regulated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
These vehicles are not anticipated to be used for transit operations in the near future.
The shuttles are owned and titled to the Delaware Transit Corporation, the operator of DART First State bus and paratransit service in Delaware and a subsidiary of DelDOT. DelDOT maintains an ongoing agreement with EasyMile for maintenance and software updates, ensuring the vehicles are operating under the latest and safest protocols.
EasyMile is one of several manufacturers of autonomous transit shuttles. In November 2018, DelDOT published a request for proposals, which solicited a number of responses. EasyMile was selected based on a rigorous evaluation process.
Currently, DelDOT is using the shuttles for research and demonstration purposes to better understand the technology and the public’s willingness to embrace it.
After successful research and demonstration service periods around the state, the shuttles will be used in a location that supports the mobility needs of Delawareans.
In 2017, Governor Carney signed Executive Order 14, which established the Advisory Council on Connected and Autonomous Vehicles. This effort produced recommendations for innovative tools and strategies that can be used to prepare Delaware’s transportation network for connected and autonomous vehicles.
Shuttle Operator
Nate Attard is the Chief Operator of the DelDOT shuttles and has undergone nearly 15 hours of specialized training to operate the shuttles. He works as the Strategic Planner in Delaware Transit Corporation’s Office of Innovation, which encourages and supports processes, systems and a workforce culture that addresses the evolving mobility needs of Delaware’s residents, employees and visitors.
A professional transportation planner, he has also worked in DelDOT’s Division of Planning
Volunteer
Interested in volunteering your time as a Shuttle Operator? Reach out to Nathan.Attard@delaware.gov for more information.
