Chattanooga Launches Autonomous Shuttle Initiative to Modernize Downtown Transit
This concept image shows what the autonomous shuttles could look like. — Rendering provided by CARTA
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Chattanooga is set to revolutionize its downtown transportation system with a significant new investment. The Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) has secured a $25 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation, marking the largest competitive grant in the agency’s history. This funding will enable the launch of an innovative autonomous vehicle (AV) shuttle service aimed at modernizing city transit.
The grant will finance the deployment of up to six AV shuttles, the creation of an AV Command Center and a Live-Learning Lab, as well as enhancements to the city’s smart infrastructure. These shuttles will replace the current downtown shuttle fleet but will not impact CARTA’s fixed-route bus services. Notably, rides on the new AV shuttles are expected to remain FREE to the public, with funding coming from parking revenue generated by CARTA’s garages and lots.
The autonomous shuttles will operate within Chattanooga’s existing smart infrastructure, communicating with traffic signals and pedestrian crosswalks to ensure safe and efficient travel. The project will expand this infrastructure, although details regarding specific routes and additional investments are still being developed.
CARTA’s leadership emphasizes safety, noting that the AVs will be equipped with advanced LIDAR technology and will interact with city infrastructure to create a secure environment for passengers and pedestrians alike. The vehicles will also feature onboard safety operators for several years, providing an added layer of security and oversight as the technology matures.
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga will play a pivotal role in this initiative by establishing the Live-Learning Lab at Shuttle Park South. This facility will serve as an educational hub, offering programs focused on careers such as AV maintenance, command center operations, and onboard safety. These programs aim to engage high school and college students, transforming Chattanooga into a living classroom and preparing the workforce for future transportation innovations.
UTC will also contribute to the development of AV technology and the command center, while a third-party company will oversee initial technology installations. The rollout is planned in phases, beginning with a few vehicles, with the full service expected to be operational within approximately two years. Renovations at Shuttle Park South are slated to commence within the next 18 months.
While driverless shuttles may evoke some apprehension, CARTA’s CEO Charles D. Frazier reassures the public that safety operators will be onboard for the foreseeable future, akin to early elevator systems where an operator was present to assist passengers. This initiative positions Chattanooga at the forefront of autonomous transit, blending technological innovation with educational opportunities to shape the city’s future.
SOURCE: NOOGAtoday
