Take a ride on Smart Circuit- Ohio’s first self-driving shuttle. You can be a part of the start of a new era of mobility innovation in Central Ohio.
Thank you Smart Columbus for sponsoring this post!
In January, I was given the opportunity to learn more about the new and exciting transportation initiative that starting in Columbus: the new self-driving shuttle.
If you know me, you know that I have a heart for projects that help out our communities. One fact that I learned about Smart Circuit is that one of the goals is to be able to help people get to and from doctor’s appointments more easily. The technology that they are creating will help people “call for a ride,” the ride will arrive and take them to their appointments. Another idea if giving children better access to libraries and outside resources. Isn’t that fascinating!! Inside the Smart Columbus Experience Center, the conversation about improved transportation was already starting. I especially loved the posted notecards documenting the answers for “What’s your vision for a smart city?” and “What are your greatest mobility challenges?”
During one of our stops, I was able to learn little more about these smart vehicles. Smart Circuit shuttles operate autonomously, using a suite of sensors that deliver a 360-degree view around the vehicle. The sensors and intelligent software help the vehicle understand where it is; in which direction to steer, and when to slow down, accelerate or stop for something in its path. Mapping allows the vehicle to know every inch of its route and navigate through various traffic conditions. So basically, the sensors along the vehicle allow the shuttle to know traffic flows and if something suddenly falls within its path.
Although the shuttle is “self-driving” there is a trained operator sitting behind the wheel to intervene whenever needed. When I was riding, we encountered a car parked at the spot the Smart Circuit was supposed to make a full u-turn. Instead, the operator took over and made the turn instead.
A few fun facts about this new vehicle:
- Smart Circuit is free to ride and operates from 6am to 10pm every day.
- The vehicle travels at a maximum speed of 25 MPH.
- Smart Circuit services destinations along the Scioto Mile, including COSI, National Veterans Memorial and Museum, Bicentennial Park and Smart Columbus Experience Center.
- Shuttle will arrive at each stop approximately every 10 minutes. Each full route take approximately 15 minutes.
Smart Circuit is free to ride and operates from 6am to 10pm every day. The vehicle travels at a maximum speed of 25 MPH. Smart Circuit services destinations along the Scioto Mile, including COSI, National Veterans Memorial and Museum, Bicentennial Park and Smart Columbus Experience Center. Shuttle will arrive at each stop approximately every 10 minutes. Each full route take approximately 15 minutes.
Who can ride in the shuttle?
Four passengers can ride in the backs sitting in a “campfire” configuration. There are seatbelts for you to use to buckle up. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Children 4 and older are permitted to ride without a car seat (parents can bring a booster seat if they wish). Children under 4 are required to have a car seat of the Smart Circuit. Since my toddler requires a forward facing car seat, we decided, for this experience, it would be best to leave her with some friends/family while we enjoyed the trip. If you are like me, and have a toddler, you can bring your car seat on the trip. When you jump out to visit the museum/attractions, you can speak with the front staff about where to leave your car seat until you are ready to return to the shuttle.
After riding on the shuttle, I’m very excited to see how transportation will positively impact our communities/neighborhoods!
So tell me, will you and your family use the Smart Circuit vehicle here in Columbus? What are your thoughts regarding the new technology of the future?
This is incredible