ITEM 7D

Staff Report Subject: Autonomous Shuttle Demonstration on CV Link in April 2018 Contact: Eric Cowle, Transportation Program Manager (ecowle@cvag.org) Recommendation: Approve a not-to-exceed amount of up to $25,000, including contingencies, toward the cost of an Autonomous Shuttle demonstration on CV Link and authorize the Executive Director to enter into the necessary agreements. Background: CV Link is nearing completion of the first segment (2.3 miles) between Ramon Road in Cathedral City and Vista Chino Road in Palm Springs. In addition to providing an alternative mode of transportation for bicyclists and pedestrians, CV Link is also designed to accommodate neighborhood electric vehicles. CVAG, in cooperation with Goldenvoice, has explored the idea of providing an electric autonomous shuttle demonstration project on CV Link and the Coachella Festival. Because Goldenvoice was already investing funding to bring the shuttle to the Coachella Valley, there is a unique opportunity to conduct a public demonstration as well. Autonomous shuttles are electric vehicles that merge motor, digital and robotic technology as well as solve the problem of the first and last mile connections, both in cities and on private sites. This technology offers an innovative new approach to covering short distances, helping travelers get to transit stations, business districts local festivals and other amenities without the hassle of driving and parking. In addition, the use of these electric vehicles helps reduce greenhouse gases and other air pollutants that threaten the environment. CVAG researched autonomous shuttle companies that would be willing to participate in this demonstration project and found that NAVYA, a French international manufacturer and distributer of an autonomous shuttle (AUTONOM is pictured in Attachment 1), could provide a vehicle for both demonstration projects. NAVYA recently opened a manufacturing plant in Ann Arbor, Michigan that is designated as their U.S. headquarters. NAVYA is currently conducting demonstrations of this shuttle at the University of Michigan and in the City of Las Vegas (Attachment 2). Goldenvoice is always introducing new environmentally friendly initiatives and technologies for concert goers as part of the festival experience. The introduction of an autonomous shuttle at the festival is another initiative being introduced for on-site use at the 2018 concerts. As CVAG is developing a transportation communications platform through its Regional Signal Synchronization Project that will facilitate “smart city” initiatives into the future, it continues to promote and demonstrate transportation programs to improve safety, multi-modal mobility, the

environment, and enhance health and quality of life in the Coachella Valley. The autonomous shuttle demonstration is another component which will play a significant role in transportation in the Coachella Valley. CV Link will connect parks, schools, festivals and many other activity centers, and improve the access and mobility for the region’s users. A key component to CV Link are the community connectors, which will provide local access to the core route. Together with the Regional Signal Synchronization Program and “smart city” initiatives, this demonstration project will help open doors for anticipated grant applications to further CVAG’s interest in promoting the use of autonomous vehicles and Intelligent Transportation Systems. Autonomous shuttles are poised to revolutionize not only transportation, but the way people live and work. Having the autonomous shuttle in the Coachella Valley during both festival weekends in April, and, with the projected completion of the first segment of CV Link in late February, there is a prime opportunity to conduct an autonomous shuttle demonstration project on CV Link during the week between the two weekend festivals. It is anticipated that CVAG member jurisdictions, transportation funding partners, bicycle organizations and others will be invited to participate in the demonstrations. Due to the timing and pre-planning of the festivals, it is critical to get NAVYA committed as early as possible, as they have other demonstrations to conduct in other parts of the country. Fiscal Analysis: The estimated cost of transporting and deploying this vehicle at the Coachella festival grounds and on CV Link is expected to cost $45,000 to $50,000, including contingencies. It is proposed that these costs will be split 50/50 between CVAG and Goldenvoice, and that CVAG’s share will be paid out of general fund reserves. These costs could also be offset by organizations interested in sponsoring CVAG’s public demonstration. The contract details are being finalized. Minor changes/revisions for clarification purposes may be made prior to execution by CVAG’s Executive Director and/ or Legal Counsel. Attachments 1. Photo of NAVYA’s AUTONOM electric autonomous shuttle. 2. NAVYA AUTONOM Las Vegas Demonstration article.