Atoka is taking a significant step into the future of transportation with the upcoming introduction of autonomous vehicles, a project spearheaded through a partnership between the city, autonomous mobility company Beep, and the University of Oklahoma. This innovative initiative, announced by IMPACT-Atoka, aims to revolutionize how residents navigate the city, offering more efficient and accessible transportation options.
The community got a firsthand look at the technology during a recent autonomous vehicle demonstration held at the Choctaw Community Center on Wednesday, May 7th. The event provided an opportunity for residents, particularly Choctaw Seniors, to learn more about the program. Dr. Dong Zhang and Assistant Professor Bin Xu from the University of Oklahoma were present to speak about the technology and answer questions from the attendees.
Among those eager to experience the autonomous vehicle was Atoka Vice Mayor Diane McGee, who was one of the first to volunteer for a test drive. Her participation highlights the local leadership's enthusiasm for this forward-thinking project.
Vice Mayor McGee shared her positive outlook on the initiative, stating, 'I think it will be a positive impact on Atoka, if they use it. I am optimistic about it. It’s a free program. It will have its routes. I think people will like it.' Her comments reflect the potential benefits of this free transportation option for Atoka residents.
It's important to note that in these initial stages of development, a safety driver will always be present behind the wheel to ensure passenger safety and intervene in case of emergencies. While the longterm vision includes fully autonomous operation, this safety measure provides an extra layer of security during the pilot phase.
Safety is the paramount concern in the development and deployment of these autonomous vehicles. Equipped with 360-degree camera vision, the vehicles possess a comprehensive awareness of their surroundings. Furthermore, the braking system is programmed to automatically initiate a stop when a predetermined safe distance is breached.
The onboard computer systems are also designed to intelligently identify other vehicles and pedestrians, further enhancing their ability to navigate safely and react to dynamic situations. These features underscore the commitment to ensuring the well-being of both passengers and the surrounding community during the pilot program and beyond.
The autonomous vehicles will operate on pre-determined routes within the city. The initial fleet will consist of three buses, each capable of carrying approximately nine passengers, and two cars, each accommodating up to four individuals.
Notably, they will not travel on the main highway, with the exception of a specific segment near South Virginia Avenue to access the Walmart. This carefully planned routing and fleet size aim to provide efficient and accessible transportation to key local destinations.
As Atoka prepares for the full rollout of this cutting-edge transportation solution, residents are encouraged to follow IMPACT-Atoka's updates for information regarding the deployment timeline and specific operational routes. This partnership positions Atoka at the forefront of adopting autonomous technology, promising to enhance mobility and accessibility for its community.
