Traffic & Transit
AVA To Test Two Routes In Dunedin
This electric-powered Autonomous Vehicle has fewer driver errors and is better for the environment.
May 19, 2021
Here in Dunedin, AVA will be testing two routes in the City of Dunedin that align with the remaining Toronto Blue Jays spring training games at TD Ballpark and the summer months for Downtown Dunedin. Beginning Wednesday, May 19th, AVA will service (Map):Douglas Avenue between Main Street and the stadium. Following the conclusion of spring training and before the start of summer, she will spend the rest of her time in Dunedin along (Map):Main Street, Broadway Avenue, Scotland Street, Douglas Avenue, Wood Street and Highland Avenue until the end of the pilot in August 2021. Riders who experienced AVA in St. Petersburg will be familiar with her schedule because she will keep the same operating hours and days; Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Join us for her launch in Dunedin at 3 p.m. May 19,on Facebook Live.
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ABOUT AVA:
There are many benefits of riding in an Autonomous Vehicle, like AVA, over most traditional vehicles. AVA is less driver errors, is better for the environment, and has the potential to provide greater connectivity for riders. AVA is equipped to transport passengers with ADA needs with a Q'Straint system onboard.
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With the use of LiDar sensors, AVA has more eyes on the road than a human driver possibly could. This results in safe transportation for riders, and other vehicles on the road.
AVA is 100% electric. Using electricity generated from a power plant burns less fossil fuel and is more efficient than generating power / fuel for personal use (i.e., the internal combustion engine on a vehicle). AVA can drive for 9 hours on just a few dollars of electricity. In addition, fewer moving parts means less environmental impact due to reduced maintenance and AVA has no consumable fluids onboard, like oil or engine coolant, that can harm the environment.
In the future, autonomous vehicles such as AVA could be used as a permanent circulator service or a first mile / last mile solution to areas not served by PSTA’s network. This would help to alleviate traffic congestion around downtown areas.
This press release was produced by the City of Dunedin. The views expressed here are the author’s own.