STV’s mobility technologies experts were on hand to celebrate alongside our client, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ), a first-of-a-kind pilot demonstration of a driverless shuttle van in operation at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in New Jersey.
The event marked the first time an autonomous vehicle (AV) was operating on public roads in the state of New Jersey.
“Being the first to bring driverless vehicles to New Jersey Roads is the latest example of the Port Authority pushing the envelope when it comes to keeping the region moving,” said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole. “The goal is always a streamlined, modern, and more convenient journey. If new technology can help get us there, we’re willing to explore it.”
STV, on behalf of the PANYNJ and in partnership with Perrone Robotics, is providing project management, defining the operation design domain, reviewing roadway conditions, and supporting the testing and demonstration of a new three-phase AV testing program at EWR. The project is testing last-mile AV solutions between EWR’s new Terminal A – which was designed by STV – and the P2 AirTrain Station.
“This AV demonstration shows how, once again, our client is at the cutting edge of innovation and technological implementation, all while looking to serve the transportation needs of New Jersey residents and the region,” said STV Mobility Technologies Senior Operations Manager, John Egger, P.E., who is leading the project for the firm and attended the piloting demonstration.
For this pilot, a 14-passenger Green Power AV-Star shuttle was retrofitted with autonomous driverless technology from Perrone Robotics, including sensors, cameras, and mapping functionalities. STV’s team supported the testing of the vehicle on a safety course, that included simulated car and pedestrian obstacles within a closed parking lot at the airport. It then moved to nighttime testing on airport roads between the P2 AirTrain and Terminal A, navigating arrival roadways, merges and traffic signals.
In preparation for the pilot, the PANYNJ commissioned a mandated safety plan from all firms involved that focused on safety features, the responsibility of the on-board safety driver, and on operational coordination among the pilot project team, the autonomous shuttle company and the airport.
STV’s national mobility technologies team has also teamed with Perrone to demonstrate AV technology for the Houston Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County’s “Shuttle of the Future” project.
Video of demonstration courtesy of PANYNJ Flickr
