Project Summary: White Bear Lake Automated Shuttle Pilot: Bear Tracks

The Bear Tracks Automated Shuttle Pilot was a research project that included the 12-month operation (August 2022-July 2023) of a Level 3 Automated Vehicle (AV) Shuttle along a 1.5-mile-long route in the city of White Bear Lake. The shuttle itself was a self-driving, electric, multi-passenger vehicle that drove at a speed between 10-12 miles per hour. The shuttle could hold up to 11 seat-belted passengers and one wheelchair passenger at a time.

The shuttle's route along a residential street connected a day program for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, affordable housing, and the community YMCA.

The demonstration was concluded before the projected end date due to the restructuring of the vehicle manufacturer and resultant lack of technical support.