Residents in northern Washington County have the chance to experience the next evolution in transportation through a University of Iowa research program.

The university’s National Advanced Driving Simulator research center has created a partially automated shuttle bus with the goal of providing transportation options for elderly residents and those with mobility or visual impairments in rural communities. As part of their research, they are asking residents to participate in the study and take a ride on the shuttle. The 47-mile route will go through parts of Iowa City, Hills, Riverside, and Kalona. For everyone’s safety, the vehicle will be continuously monitored and driven by a trained NADS safety driver and co-driver, both following strict safety protocols. A NADS researcher will be present in the passenger area throughout the drive. Automated Driving Services for Rural America project manager Omar Ahmad emphasizes the need to provide transportation to everyone, no matter where they are, “The idea of broadening mobility for everybody is a very powerful and important thing. Particularly when it comes to rural communities that have little or no access to public transportation. And we know that in our rural communities we have an aging population and as people age, they experience some type of a decline in their abilities. That includes their ability to potentially drive a vehicle. Being able to drive is more or less equivalent to being free and independent.”

Phase one of data collection was completed in late November and will continue for seven more phases over the next year and a half with the next phases in February and March. Those eligible to participate include adults ages 65 years and older, and adults ages 25 and older who have a mobility or vision impairment. All participants will receive up to $80 compensation.The demonstration drive will last approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. Although the shuttle will have predetermined stops, no one will be allowed to enter or exit the shuttle at the stops unless there is an emergency, or a request to quit participation. For more information on the project, visit here.