ReflectionsfromdeployingOhio'sfirstself-drivingshuttles

The City of Columbus demonstrated two deployments of connected, electric autonomous vehicles through the Smart Columbus program. While Columbus originally envisioned deploying self-driving technology in the Easton area of Columbus during the Smart City Challenge, technology readiness was a barrier to deployment. Smart Columbus worked with partners and stakeholders to determine new avenues in the downtown and Linden area to serve the public during the demonstration period.

Smart Columbus deployed two shuttles:

Smart Circuit

The Scioto Mile deployment with May Mobility in downtown Columbus served area attractions and cultural resources like the Center for Science and Industry (COSI), Veterans Memorial and the Smart Columbus Experience Center. This service operated from December 2018 until September 2019. 

Ohio’s first autonomous vehicle deployment on public streets, Smart Circuit served as a teaching and learning tool to help both Smart Columbus technologists and residents discover the capabilities of the technology at the time. The route exposed more than 16,000 riders to the technology and informed policy makers at the state and local level.

Linden LEAP

The second deployment with EasyMile served as a first mile/last mile connection to transit in Linden. The LEAP (Linden Empowers All People) or Linden LEAP launched in February 2020 and operated for about two weeks before an on-board incident paused passenger operations. 

During its initial two weeks of operation of the Linden LEAP, 50 passengers took rides on the Linden LEAP, with the vehicles operating at greater than 70% automated mode on a challenging route. 

When the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the ability to return to passenger service, the city reimagined the mission of the vehicles, launching a food pantry delivery service in July 2020, concluding in April 2021. This service averaged 100 boxes per week throughout the project and saw strong and steady distribution throughout the project. 

With each box containing 36 meals, the Linden LEAP pantry service distributed nearly 130,000 meals into the community during its eight months of food delivery. In addition, more than 80% of patrons said they were satisfied with the convenience of the service.