Starkville Debuts Electric Driverless Shuttle Program This Fall

News Summary

Mississippi State University is launching an electric driverless shuttle program on campus this September, in partnership with Beep Inc. This innovative pilot will test two autonomous shuttles capable of carrying 11 passengers, with an emphasis on safety and research. Routes will be carefully mapped, and the program is designed to gather valuable data for future transportation planning, while addressing current driver shortages. Mixed reactions from students reflect both excitement and skepticism about this groundbreaking initiative.

Exciting News for Starkville: Electric Driverless Shuttle Program Rolls Out This Fall!

Starkville, get ready for a ride into the future! Starting this September, Mississippi State University (MSU) is all set to launch its very own electric, autonomous shuttle system on campus. This innovative pilot program is creating quite a buzz around town as it’s the first of its kind in Mississippi and within the Southeastern Conference.

Partnering with Beep Inc.

In collaboration with Beep Inc., an Orlando-based company known for its expertise in autonomous transportation solutions, MSU will be testing two snazzy driverless shuttle buses. These futuristic shuttles are designed to carry up to 11 passengers, ensuring enough space for friends to hop on together. What’s even better? Each shuttle will be accompanied by a university attendant, ready to take the wheel if the need arises. Safety always comes first!

Smart Shuttles on Safe Routes

These shuttles won’t just be cruising around any old road. They will stick to paths with a speed limit of 25 mph or less, making for a smooth and safe journey. The onboard technology features AI-enabled remote human supervision along with self-governance capabilities, meaning the shuttles are not only smart but also designed to keep everyone safe while on the move.

Mapping the Routes

Currently in the development phase, the program is hard at work mapping out two specific routes that will connect essentials on campus. Using advanced tech like three-dimensional scans and light detection and ranging (LIDAR), the team is making sure that every inch is measured precisely for the best shuttle experience possible. Initial routes will connect popular spots, such as The Mill on Russell Street with the campus Barnes and Noble store, so you can grab a coffee and a book without having to walk too far!

More than Just a Ride

But wait, there’s more! This pilot program isn’t just about providing transportation solutions. It also aims to gather valuable research data that can help with planning for transportation needs in both urban and rural environments. This focus on research shows MSU’s commitment to not only solving immediate needs but also to contributing to future transportation planning.

Ensuring Safety First

Amongst all this excitement, it’s clear that safety is the top priority for MSU’s Executive Director of Transportation. The program will run from September to November, after which officials will dive into the data collected to evaluate the success of the shuttles. Based on the outcome, MSU will consider whether to fully integrate these driverless shuttles into its transportation system.

Mixed Reactions Among Students

Paving the Way for Future Transportation

Interestingly, this program may also provide a solution to the current driver shortages affecting public transit systems. As the world grapples with transportation challenges, MSU’s initiative could pave the way for a more efficient, autonomous future.

The Journey Ahead

With the Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems at MSU involved in ongoing research into autonomous vehicles, this electric shuttle program is not just a trial run, but part of a larger goal to revolutionize transport in geographical areas like Starkville. So, buckle up and get ready to embrace an electric ride that not only aims to transport you, but shape the future of campus mobility!

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HERE Resources

MSU Kicks Off First Autonomous Shuttle Program in Starkville

Additional Resources

• WCBI: MSU Shares Its Research on Self-Driving Vehicles
• Wikipedia: Self-driving_car
• Clarion Ledger: MSU Test Drives Autonomous Shuttle System
• Google Search: autonomous vehicle research Mississippi State University
• IoT World Today: John Deere, Mississippi State Partner on Automated Equipment
• Encyclopedia Britannica: driverless car
• WCBI: MSU Welcomes Its New Self-Driving Shuttle Service
• Google News: Mississippi State University autonomous shuttle