The North Carolina Department of Transportation and the Town of Cary have launched a self-driving shuttle called that will operate at Bond Park.
And they鈥檙e off! and officials celebrated the launch of the self-driving CASSI in Bond Park today. People can ride the shuttle for free and see the future of public transit. CASSI鈥檚 in Cary until 6/2. Learn more
— NCDOT (@NCDOT)
or
CASSI stands for Connected Autonomous Shuttle Supporting Innovation. Cary Mayor Harold Weinbrecht said by using electric power, the CASSI shuttle will reduce the city鈥檚 carbon footprint.
鈥淚t will help us mitigate the effects of climate change, and that鈥檚 a big goal for Cary," he said.
CASSI is free to ride and will make four stops on a fixed route using remote-sensing laser technology. Those stops include Cary Senior Center and Bond Park Community Center.
A similar shuttle was previously piloted in Raleigh and Kill Devil Hills. While the eight-seat shuttle does not have a driver, a trained attendant will always be present to assist passengers and can take over in case of an emergency.
Jerry Jensen, Cary's director of transportation, said this technology is already present in the U.S. and globally.
鈥淎nd, we feel like this particular type of technology could be very valuable to support our transit services in Cary and will be a supplement to it," he said.
This CASSI program, a three-month pilot, follows for NCDOT to develop a for increased access to clean transportation options.
CASSI will run weekdays until June 2.
