A driver-less shuttle service recently introduced in Orlando encountered a collision only days after its unveiling.
The incident, captured and widely shared on social media, involved the new autonomous vehicle system known as ‘SWAN’ (Shuttling With Autonomous Navigation).
The purpose of SWAN is to operate on a one-mile loop, making stops at five locations within the city.
The launch took place on August 20, and the crash occurred a mere two days later.
The SWAN System and Unfortunate Collision
The SWAN system, an abbreviation for Shuttling With Autonomous Navigation, was designed to utilize one of Orlando’s existing bus lines to navigate its route.
Its intended path encompasses stops across the University of Central Florida campus and the ‘Creative Village’ area within the city.
The incident took place in downtown Orlando, where the SWAN shuttle collided with a bus from the city’s LYMMO system.
A TikTok user shared the moment on video, describing their experience trying out the new SWAN shuttle and witnessing the crash.
Collision Details and Authorities’ Response
According to the police, the SWAN shuttle failed to detect the turning Orange Line LYMMO bus in front of it, leading to the collision.
Fortunately, no passengers sustained injuries in the accident, and both vehicles only suffered minor cosmetic damage.
The regular schedule for both the SWAN shuttle and LYMMO buses remained unaffected by the incident.
The Orlando Police Department issued a statement confirming the minor nature of the collision and noting that the autonomous shuttle service resumed normal operations by the end of the day.
The shuttle program is a pilot initiative operated by Beep, a local autonomous vehicle company, in collaboration with the Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority.
The Future of Autonomous Transportation in Orlando
The SWAN shuttle program, facilitated by the partnership between Beep and the Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority, aims to provide a forward-thinking transportation option for residents, students, and visitors in downtown Orlando.
The autonomous shuttle connects various key points, including Lynx Central Station and SunRail, with the Creative Village area.
Despite the initial setback, the pilot program is set to continue for six months, showcasing the city’s commitment to exploring innovative transportation solutions.
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