ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. — The CraneRIDES autonomous vehicle pilot program launched two years ago in Altamonte Springs, and city officials say they are ready to expand the services while continuing to test the technology.
What You Need To Know
The CraneRIDES autonomous vehicle pilot program launched in Altamonte Springs two years ago
Thanks to $750,000 in funding from the state, city officials say they will be able to buy more autonomous vehicles and expand the route
Right now, there are three vehicles, but officials say that once the program is at full capacity, there will be up to 12
For more information on the free transportation service, visit the Altamonte Springs CraneRIDES website
“So far, it has been very nice, very different,” said Lajoan Petit-Frere, who recently took her first ride. “As I was walking by, I told him what destination I was going to, and he let me know that the destination was en route, so I thought I might as well tag along and give it a try.”
Instead of walking in the sun and carrying her 1-month-old Jonas, the two rode in the air conditioning.
“I was skeptical about whether the baby could be on the vehicle or not, but he almost insisted me bring the baby on,” Petit-Frere said.
The vehicles are also wheelchair accessible. The hop-off and hop-on service stops at places like the mall and the hospital.
“It’s been a nice ride,” Petit-Frere said.
The free ride vehicle travels on a set loop, and even though the cars know the way, there is an attendant on board just in case.
“CraneRIDES is using technology that is in use every day to help get people around,” said Altamonte Springs City Manager Frank Martz.
Martz said that 95 million cars pass through the city every year, and CraneRIDES gives people another way to get around.
“It is really one of those things where we are finding, many of the young folks, even the ones who work here, driving doesn’t mean to them what it used to mean,” Martz said. “So, people are looking for an opportunity to get some of their time back.”
Right now, the program has three vehicles on the road, but once the program is at full capacity, Martz said there will be up to 12.
“The state has already approved autonomous vehicles and they have a group of autonomous vehicles we can choose from, so we will begin that process to try to find the ones that fit us the best,” Martz said.
He said that $750,000 from the state will help buy more autonomous vehicles and expand the route, with a new stop coming to Sunrail.
“What we want is that we will eventually develop an app so that you can see on your phone, not just how to get on CraneRIDES, but how do you get on a Lynx bus, or how do you get on SunRail, or where is a bike path,” Martz said.
In a statement, officials with the Florida Department of Transportation said they are embracing new transportation technology.
“FDOT believes in developing the latest cutting-edge technology, including this pilot project for autonomous vehicles in Altamonte Springs,” the statement said. “The department looks forward to this new technology seeing further development.”
More than 12,000 people have hopped on for a ride, but Martz said the program is more than just ridership — it’s about learning how to best use this evolving technology in the future.
“Convenience is only as good as it is reliable,” Martz said.