Autonomous Vehicle Pilot

The Autonomous Vehicle Pilot Project is designed to evaluate the real-world performance, safety, and scalability of autonomous driving technologies in a controlled but operational environment. The project aims to deploy autonomous vehicles in defined use cases to assess how well current solutions integrate with existing infrastructure, operational workflows, and regulatory requirements. The selected contractor will provide autonomous vehicles under an operating lease or similar non-ownership arrangement, along with all services necessary to support deployment, integration, training, and ongoing technical support. Key capabilities to be validated include navigation, perception, decision-making, fleet management, and remote support. The project also serves as a platform to identify technical, operational, and organizational challenges that must be addressed prior to broader deployment. The contractor will be responsible for providing vehicles, supporting full Via integration, training BCRTA staff, and providing ongoing technical support and software updates. Some of the key requirements for the project include: * Vehicle Platform: Vehicles must be road-tested and previously deployed in public right-of-way operations * Accessibility: Wheelchair accessibility is required, and vehicles shall be capable of accommodating riders with mobility devices * Regulatory Compliance: Vehicles and operations must comply with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including those governing autonomous vehicles in the State of Ohio * Rider Experience and Customer Interface: All trip booking, dispatch, and customer communication shall occur through BCRTA’s existing Via platform * Technology and Systems Integration: Contractor shall integrate vehicle dispatch, routing, and status data with Via * Operations, Maintenance, and Training: Contractor shall provide maintenance training, diagnostic tools or systems, technical documentation, and ongoing technical support