Project 1:
PRESTO Rossmoor
Autonomous Shuttles for Senior Community
PRESTO Rossmoor is a pilot program offering zero-emission autonomous shuttles for seniors in Walnut Creek’s over-55 community. Launched in summer 2024 with Beep, two shuttles run a one-mile loop, stopping at key locations with onboard attendants.
The goal is to familiarize residents with autonomous tech, gather feedback, and shape the future of transportation in Contra Costa County.
- Walnut Creek, California
-
Monday - Friday
7 am - 5 pm
How It Works
Safety Operators
The PRESTO autonomous, electric shuttles operate at all times with safety operators and co-pilots to ensure a secure and seamless ride. These professionals actively monitor the autonomous systems while operational to ensure a pleasant and safe experience for passengers. The attendants are highly trained to provide prompt and efficient transportation for passengers. They are also trained on the safety features of the shuttle and have the ability to take over manually at any time via an onboard controller. Shuttle attendants pride themselves in being friendly, knowledge about the service, and are meant to serve as ambassadors to educate riders on how the shuttle operates.
The Vehicle
The PRESTO shuttle is a fully electric, purpose-built autonomous vehicle designed to deliver a safe, sustainable, and accessible transportation solution. Unlike many other autonomous vehicles being tested, PRESTO is uniquely suited for operations within the Rossmoor community. The shuttle navigates fixed routes at speeds up to 12 mph and operates on roadways with a maximum speed limit of 25 mph.
Key Features:
- Passenger Capacity: Accommodates up to seven seated passengers or three passengers when a wheelchair is onboard.
- Accessibility: Fully ADA-accessible, offering wheelchair access and a safe, comfortable experience for all riders.
- Sustainability: The shuttle is 100% electric, with zero emissions and no consumable fluids such as oil or coolant, making it environmentally friendly with reduced maintenance needs.
- Advanced Sensors: Equipped with state-of-the-art technologies, including LiDAR sensors, cameras, and collision-avoidance systems, to enhance navigation and rider safety.
- Connected Technology: Features high-definition mapping and onboard systems that enable precise localization and route adherence.
The PRESTO shuttle reflects a commitment to safety, connectivity, and equity, offering a glimpse into the future of sustainable and autonomous shared mobility.
The equipment on the vehicle is shown below:
- Roof Mounted LiDAR +Hyper System
- A-Pillar Cameras
- A-Pillar Radar
- Front Radar & LiDAR
- Front & Rear Cameras
- Side LiDAR
Safety
Safety is at the forefront of PRESTO’s operations, with multiple layers of oversight to ensure the well-being of passengers and the community.
Key Safety Measures:
- Trained Shuttle Attendants: A highly trained safety attendant is onboard at all times to provide a high-quality passenger experience and monitor the vehicle’s operations. Attendants are trained to manually take control of the shuttle via an onboard controller if necessary.
- Beep Command Center Monitoring: The shuttle is in constant communication with the Beep Command Center in Orlando, Florida. This team monitors the shuttle’s movement, safety, and operations in real-time, ensuring a rapid response if needed.
- Onboard Emergency Features: The shuttle is equipped with seatbelts, emergency stop buttons, and an emergency kit to ensure passenger safety.
- Sensors and Cameras: LiDAR sensors, cameras, and collision-avoidance systems provide the shuttle with a comprehensive awareness of its surroundings, offering more “eyes” on the road than a human driver.
- Fixed Routes and Stops: To maximize safety, the shuttle operates on pre-programmed routes and stops only at designated locations.
These precautions ensure PRESTO not only provides innovative transportation but also meets the highest safety standards for passengers and the community.
Partners
& Stakeholders
