Autonomous Vehicle Pilot Project

The Butler County Regional Transit Authority (BCRTA) is initiating an Autonomous Vehicle (AV) Pilot Project to assess the real-world performance, safety, and scalability of autonomous driving technologies. The project aims to deploy AVs in defined use cases, specifically for a late-night safe ride service in the City of Oxford, Ohio, integrating with BCRTA's existing Via platform for booking and dispatch. The selected contractor will provide two autonomous vehicles under an operating lease or similar arrangement, along with necessary support services including integration, training, and ongoing technical support. Key requirements include wheelchair accessibility, compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, and seamless integration with the Via platform. The contractor will also be responsible for providing maintenance training, diagnostic tools, and technical documentation for BCRTA staff. This pilot project is intended to inform future investment and deployment decisions by generating data-driven insights, establishing best practices, and identifying challenges for broader AV adoption in public transportation.