Treasure Island announces the launch of its free autonomous shuttle pilot around the island for 9 months

(SAN FRANCISCO) Treasure Island is taking advantage of the autonomous vehicle (AV) technology to launch its first free driverless shuttle service with 7 stops on the island for the public.

The Treasure Island Mobility Management Agency (TIMMA) announced and celebrated the launch of the autonomous shuttle pilot on August 16.

The shuttle traveling on Treasure island is called the Loop, which is a free, fully-electric autonomous shuttle, and operates daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Two autonomous vehicles are on the Loop project and run approximately every 20 minutes around the island. The pilot program will operate for 9 months.

Two shuttles are each staffed with an attendant on-board at all times. The shuttles, which can accommodate wheelchair users, pick up passengers along a fixed route with 7 stops on Treasure Island.

According to the San Francisco County Transportation Authority, the Loop project is funded by grants from the U.S. Department of Transportation, Metropolitan Transportation Commission and San Francisco County Transportation Authority. The Loop pilot program is designed to help TIMMA better understand how a shuttle service could meet the needs of people traveling around the neighborhood and provide the community with opportunities to learn about driverless technology.

The Loop is also one of California's first demonstrations of AV shuttles operating entirely on public roads.

“We are delighted to launch the new autonomous vehicle shuttle to serve Treasure Island,” said Treasure Island Mobility Management Agency Chair and District 6 Supervisor Matt Dorsey. “This is a community with unique transportation needs and challenges, and this innovative pilot will give us insight into how autonomous vehicles can enhance neighborhood access and promote community-wide learning.”

“We are thrilled for this free service to support the Treasure Island community,” said V. Fei Tsen, President of project partner Treasure Island Development Authority. “This new service is a further example of our comprehensive approach to expanding transportation options for current neighborhoods and businesses, as well as for new residents coming to Treasure Island.”

The Loop shuttles are provided and operated by Beep, an autonomous vehicle firm that was selected by TIMMA.

The project was approved by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, California Department of Motor Vehicles and California Public Utilities Commission.

As part of the pilot, an ongoing survey for the riders' feedback will be collected . The survey and more information of the Loop pilot can be found at www.timma.org/ti-loop.