SHREVEPORT, La. — SporTran Transit plans to unveil what it describes as Shreveport-Bossier’s first autonomous public transit vehicle during a public demonstration Aug. 27.
The demonstration is part of SporTran’s EVOLVE initiative, which is supported by nearly $1 million awarded to the transit agency by the U.S. Department of Transportation through its Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation, or SMART, Grants Program in 2024.
The federal funding is being used to develop workforce training, curriculum and operational preparations for electric and autonomous transit technologies.
“This event represents much more than the unveiling of a new vehicle,” SporTran CEO Dinero’ Washington said. “It reflects years of collaboration, innovation and investment, positioning Louisiana as a leader in the future of public transportation.”
The event, called SporTran Evolve: Louisiana Leads, is expected to include a live demonstration of the autonomous vehicle, technology displays and presentations on the potential use of autonomous transportation in the Shreveport-Bossier region.
Federal, state and local transportation officials are expected to attend, including U.S. Department of Transportation Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology Seval Oz and Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development Secretary Glenn Ledet Jr., according to SporTran.
SporTran said its work under the federal grant is focused in part on preparing its workforce and operations for emerging transit technologies. The agency also is examining how autonomous mobility could affect transportation access and connectivity in Northwest Louisiana.