AP reports Beep, a Florida-based autonomous Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) provider will deploy the first autonomous shuttles at Yellowstone National Park in May 2021. The program will test multi-passenger, electric automated vehicle platforms to provide visitors a safe, innovative and eco-friendly transportation alternative while exploring Yellowstone. The plan is to deploy and operate two autonomous shuttles in the Canyon Village but exact routes and stops have not been determined yet.

“It’s an honor to be the first in the country to provide autonomous shuttles to the NPS and its visitors. Yellowstone’s Visitor Use Management Program aligns with Beep’s mission to provide alternative, sustainable, and innovative transportation solutions meant to transform and improve mobility for all. This demonstration will help assess how emerging technologies can enhance the visitor experience while making the roads safer and less congested for everyone.” -Joe Moye, Beep CEO

I wonder if they will have to do some special programming for bison situations?

ABOUT BEEP:

A standard autonomous shuttle provides comfortable transportation for up to 10-12 passengers. It is equipped with the latest in scanners, sensors, and cameras which enable the shuttles to perceive and react accordingly to their environment much like a human driver would. With one major exception being that an autonomous shuttle is never distracted as its “eyes” are always on the road. The incorporation of AI-related technologies and smart infrastructure further contributes to a safe and predictable mobility service that enhances safety in every deployment.

Our mobility services cover 2-4 mile routes on average and are operating on public and private roads in both mixed traffic and dedicated lane deployments. Today these shuttles travel on roads with posted speeds of 25mph or less but this operating domain is advancing steadily as a result of R&D investments driven by the learnings of our early deployments.