Arlington Rideshare, Automation, and Payment Integration Demonstration (RAPID) Final Report

Summary

The Arlington Rideshare, Automation, and Payment Integration Demonstration (RAPID) project is an integration of a shared, dynamically routed automated vehicle (AV) fleet into an existing public rideshare system in Arlington, Texas. The City of Arlington, working with Via Transportation, Inc., May Mobility, Inc., and the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA), led the demonstration from March 23, 2021, to March 18, 2022, in a one-square-mile area that included Arlington’s downtown and the UTA campus.

Over the one-year RAPID demonstration, a total of 28,140 rides were provided with no safety incidents or accidents, successfully demonstrating that an AV service could be seamlessly integrated into an existing on-demand rideshare service and that the public would accept automated rides. Rider feedback showed that riders felt safe, enjoyed the service, and appreciated the free fares for UTA students. Autonomy performance improved over the course of the year as the project team and AV technology learned and adapted to the demonstration area.

Findings from the RAPID project can be used to improve automated, shared public transit services in other locations, particularly concerning safety, technology, design of service parameters, communication, and public perception. Data from operational elements and from surveys, interviews, and focus groups provide helpful analysis, conclusions, and recommendations that can be used by others seeking to deploy similar services. The City of Arlington and its partners will continue to operate the RAPID service, incorporating lessons learned to improve and grow the service and its benefits to the community.

Download the 65-page report to read more about RAPID's successful integration into Arlington's existing public rideshare system.