The City of Arlington contracted with Drive.ai to begin the first self-driving ride-hailing service in Texas available on-demand to the general public, which includes residents, workers and visitors. This innovative transportation initiative follows the success of Arlington’s off-street autonomous shuttle pilot program, known as Milo, which operated from August 2017 to August 2018.Starting Oct. 19, 2018, Drive.ai shuttles operate on streets within the world-class Entertainment District and surrounding areas as part of Arlington’s latest transportation technology pilot program. Through a convenient, on-demand ride hailing system, shuttle passengers can connect with employment centers, restaurants, entertainment venues, public recreational spaces and the Arlington Convention Center.

About the drive.ai program:

• A public-private partnership between the autonomous vehicle company, Drive.ai, and the City of Arlington
• Drive.ai shuttles are free to use and can hold up to three passengers.
• Riders must be age 18 or over to book a ride using the app or kiosks. Riders must be at least age 10 to ride. Riders between the ages of 10 and 17 must be accompanied by an adult.
• Shuttle rides are available from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday
• Although the Drive.ai vehicle runs autonomously, a safety driver in the driver’s seat will be present during the start of the City’s pilot program. Later phases of the pilot will include only a customer service ambassador in the passenger seat. The shuttles are continuously monitored by remotely-located TeleChoice operators as well.
• Drive.ai’s shuttles operate at a maximum of 35 miles per hour and can accelerate, brake, and steer by themselves.
• Drive.ai shuttles operate by following a pre-mapped route, but the vehicles can also recognize and interact appropriately with traffic signs, signals, and other vehicular traffic on the roadway.

About Our Presenter

Ann W. Foss, Ph.D., AICPAnn has been with the City of Arlington since 2016 and currently serves as the Principal Planner for the Office of Strategic Initiatives. As Principal Planner, Ann performs comprehensive planning for the City and is heavily involved intransportation planning for the City, working to secure grant funding and pilotnew technologies, including autonomous vehicles and demand response ridesharing. She is also responsible for managing the Arlington Urban DesignCenter, a collaboration between the City of Arlington and the University of Texas at Arlington that aims to create a public awareness about the importance of urban design and its impact on the quality of life, environment, and economic investmentof a community. Ann creates and maintains regional partnerships and believes that public involvementand research are important factors to consider in the planning process. Ann holds a BA in Anthropology and Environmental Science from Haverford College, a MS in Urban Planning from Columbia University, and a Ph.D. in Urban Planning and Public Policy from the University of Texas at Arlington. She has worked as a professional planner in New York, NY, Dallas and Arlington, TX. Ann is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners and a certified Chief Operator of the Easy Mile autonomous vehicles.

Cancellations should be made at least 48 hours in advance. No shows will be billed.

There will be no lunch provided for this event.