- The final report, datasets, and a curated data story for the Connected Autonomous Shuttle Supporting Innovation (CASSI) are now available, offering a complete overview and findings from the groundbreaking autonomous shuttle pilot.
- All data collected from CASSI is accessible to the public through Cary's open data portal, encouraging more research and progress in autonomous transportation.
- The final report and data story were made possible thanks to the collaboration between the Town of Cary, the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), and vehicle manufacturer Beep.
Cary, N.C. – The final report, datasets, and a curated data story with findings from the CASSI’s 13-week pilot period is now available and accessible through Cary’s Open Data Portal and on the NCDOT website. The all-electric, wheelchair-accessible, low-speed automated shuttle navigated a four-stop route within Bond Park, operating on weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. between March 6 and June 2.
The data provided in Cary’s Open Data Portal were captured by the shuttle’s attendant and computer system and shared by Beep, Inc. (Beep) in weekly reports. To supplement this data, NCDOT created and administered an online rider survey that was accessible through URL and QR codes at the shuttle stops and inside the shuttle during the pilot period. NCDOT, Cary, and Beep also held an in-person engagement event at Bond Park, inviting community members with disabilities and their caregivers to share their feedback about the accessibility of the shuttle and service. These data paint a picture of how automated vehicle technologies might reshape the future of mobility in public spaces, and exemplify interagency collaboration and transparency around emerging technologies.
Transparency was a top priority for Cary, NCDOT, and Beep throughout the pilot, not only to support data sharing, but also to incorporate the community into the process and decision making. “CASSI's success demonstrates Cary's commitment to inspiring innovation and fostering new ideas for solving challenges for the changing needs of our community,” said Cary’s Chief Innovation Officer Nicole Coughlin. “That means not only collecting data to gather insights, but doing it in a way that is transparent and lets our community know the what, why and how we’re doing it, keeping them in mind every step of the way.” In addition to the number of riders, trips, and other operations data provided by Beep, Cary and NCDOT collected metrics on travel patterns, rider experience, perception of safety, trip purpose, and demographics, all factors to consider when evaluating the emerging technology as a public transportation option.
On days when the shuttle was in operation, CASSI carried an average of 3.5 passengers per trip, totaling 1,718 passengers throughout the pilot period. The highest ridership occurred during the week coinciding with Wake County Public Schools' spring break period, notably on Friday, March 31, when 80 passengers were served – the most on any given day. Findings from the rider survey reflected the community’s strong interest in autonomous transportation and satisfaction with the pilot. 78% of respondents visited Bond Park to ride the shuttle, 92% reported a positive experience with the shuttle, and 97% expressed satisfaction with the shuttle's attendant. Respondents' acceptance of driverless vehicles was seen in their willingness to ride the shuttle again (81%) and to see autonomous shuttles in other places in the community (88%).
Through their collaborative efforts on the pilot, Cary and NCDOT showcased the strength of their interagency partnership and advanced their understanding of how autonomous vehicles can be used for public transportation. “The outcomes from this pilot highlight the value of teamwork and data to evaluate how well automated vehicle technology is performing now as transit and inform recommendations on how the technology could be improved to best serve the public,” said NCDOT’s Senior Advisor for Innovation Sarah Searcy. The insights from the final report, datasets, and data story will inform NCDOT and Cary’s future pilots and projects. The findings also provide a snapshot to the public of the current challenges and successes of automated vehicle technology and where it may advance in the future.
To read the report and learn more about the project’s findings, visit Cary’s Open Data Portal. NCDOT’s CASSI project details and history can be found on their CASSI webpage.
About Cary
With excellence and innovation in its DNA, Cary is a growing, thriving community of over 183,000 people representing more than 60 nationalities at the heart of central North Carolina’s renowned Triangle region. Cary is consistently ranked among the most-desirable places to live, work, have fun, and do business in the United States. It holds a reputation for its safe neighborhoods, network of bike-friendly parks and greenways, environmental stewardship, robust business climate, and premier amateur sports venues. As a government, Cary leans forward while understanding and learning from its past. Its “people first” philosophy values and encourages collaboration, experimentation, learning, and adaptation while seizing opportunities to continue making Cary a place of inspiration and possibility.
Primary Contacts
If you have specific questions about Town services or operations, dial 311 anywhere in Cary, (919) 469-4000 outside town limits, or email 311@carync.gov.
Resources
