Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) in California has launched its second Presto autonomous shuttle service with Florida-based shared mobility company Beep.

This aims to increase transportation access for seniors.

With this launch, residents of the active senior Rossmoor 55+ community can now take advantage of the free pilot shuttle programme aimed at providing easy, stress- and emission-free transportation. The shuttle will run on a pre-programmed loop Monday to Friday from 7am to 5pm with a trained attendant on board.

“CCTA is proud to offer nationally recognised mobility, while also championing local communities, making it easier and safer to travel,” said CCTA chair Newell Arnerich. “CCTA is committed to making transportation accessible for all. We chose Rossmoor to pilot an alternative to driving so residents can maintain activities that keep them socially connected while experiencing a cutting-edge transportation network.”

As a spacious gated community, Rossmoor is a suitable testing ground for an autonomous vehicle programme. Driven by Oxa (oxa.tech), a UK provider of self-driving vehicle software, the shuttles carry seven seated and secured passengers, plus a trained attendant to provide riders with a safe and informed experience. The shuttle network is also remotely monitored by the Beep command centre to ensure operational safety at all times.

By demonstrating at Rossmoor, CCTA can learn what works best for the 55+ community. Passenger feedback will help shape the future of this technology, as federal transportation officials plan to use Presto pilot data to advance standards in automated mobility. The pilot is funded by a grant from the US Department of Transportation.

“We are excited to partner with CCTA again, bringing the Presto autonomous mobility network to Rossmoor,” said Joe Moye, Beep CEO. “This collaboration underscores our shared vision of leveraging innovative technologies and services to enhance community access to first- and last-mile transportation. Beep autonomous shuttles in Rossmoor will provide reliable and safe transit options, connecting residents to key destinations, people and opportunities within the community.”

Rossmoor is the second site where CCTA has launched an autonomous vehicle pilot. The first of four proposed pilots was launched in 2023 by CCTA at Bishop Ranch business park in San Ramon. To date, the Bishop Ranch autonomous shuttles have safely transported more than 1600 passengers.

CCTA is expected to introduce a future autonomous vehicle programme in the city of Martinez this summer.

To learn more about Presto at Rossmoor, visit ridepresto.com/rossmoor.

The CCTA (ccta.net) is a public agency formed by Contra Costa voters in 1988 to manage the county’s transportation sales tax programme and oversee countywide transportation planning efforts.

Beep (www.ridebeep.com) delivers autonomous, electric, shared mobility networks through its AI-enabled AutonomOS software platform and mobility-as-a-service offerings.