The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) and the City of Arlington have made headlines on the global stage by winning the prestigious 2024 Seoul Smart City Prize, thanks to their groundbreaking Arlington RAPID: an on-demand, self-driving public transportation service.
During a distinguished ceremony, UTA President Dr. Jennifer Cowley and Arlington Mayor Jim Ross proudly accepted the award for the Tech-InnovaCity category, honoring their collaborative public transportation model that has been in operation since its inception in 2021. RAPID, which stands for “Rideshare, Automation, and Payment Integration Demonstration,” is an innovative, on-demand shuttle service that operates autonomously. This pilot program represents a successful partnership among UTA, the City of Arlington, Via, and May Mobility, bolstered by grants from the Federal Transit Administration and the North Central Texas Council of Governments.
“This unique solution is the first service in the United States to integrate on-demand autonomous vehicles into existing public transit and has provided Arlington’s residents with affordable public transportation for several years. By embracing cutting-edge technology, we can ensure that we continue on this path of efficient and sustainable mobility for our community members,” Dr. Cowley enthusiastically stated.
The Seoul Smart City Prize aims to foster an innovative yet inclusive model for smart cities, prioritizing the needs of underprivileged populations during the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, which is heavily influenced by advancements in information and communication technology. This foundational mission drives the two main categories of the award, Tech-InnovaCity and Human-CentriCity. The World e-Governments Organization of Countries (WeGO) and the Seoul Metropolitan Government envision a definition of smart cities that balances human-centric approaches with technological advancement, rather than focusing solely on technology progression.
Arlington RAPID operates a fleet of four vehicles, including one equipped with a wheelchair ramp and securement systems to assist passengers with special needs. This service covers key locations, including Downtown Arlington and UTA, every weekday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Riders can conveniently book their trips using the Arlington Transportation app or by contacting Arlington On-Demand’s customer service line at 817-784-7382.
“I would like to thank everyone at UTA, the City of Arlington, May Mobility, and Via for making achievements like this possible. It is this push for innovation that continues to drive us forward. I know that there is much more in store for RAPID and I look forward to seeing what the future holds,” Dr. Cowley remarked with optimism.
For additional details about Arlington RAPID, please visit www.arlingtontx.gov/rapid.
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News, Government, Transportation
**Interview with UTA President Dr. Jennifer Cowley and Arlington Mayor Jim Ross on Winning the 2024 Seoul Smart City Prize**
**Editor:** Thank you both for joining us today to discuss the recent win at the 2024 Seoul Smart City Prize for Arlington RAPID. Dr. Cowley, can you start us off by explaining what Arlington RAPID is and how it has evolved since its launch in 2021?
**Dr. Jennifer Cowley:** Thank you for having us. Arlington RAPID is a groundbreaking on-demand, self-driving public transportation service designed to enhance accessibility and convenience for our residents. Since its inception in 2021, it has transformed the way people travel within Arlington, integrating automated vehicles into our existing public transit system. This innovative approach has allowed us to offer a reliable, affordable, and user-friendly transportation option.
**Editor:** Fantastic! Mayor Ross, what does winning the Seoul Smart City Prize mean for Arlington, both locally and on a global scale?
**Mayor Jim Ross:** Winning this prestigious award is a tremendous honor for Arlington and affirmatively places us on the global map of innovative cities. It highlights our commitment to smart technology and sustainable urban living. Locally, it’s a validation of the hard work the community has put into enhancing public transportation options—benefiting our residents directly and improving their quality of life.
**Editor:** Dr. Cowley, could you elaborate on the partnerships that made Arlington RAPID possible?
**Dr. Jennifer Cowley:** Absolutely! The implementation of RAPID has been a collaborative effort among UTA, the City of Arlington, Via, and May Mobility. Each partner played a crucial role in integrating technology with public transit, enabling us to create a seamless service that meets community needs. Additionally, we’ve received valuable grants from the Federal Transit Administration and the North Central Texas Council of Governments, which helped launch and sustain this initiative.
**Editor:** Mayor Ross, how have residents responded to the RAPID service since it began, and what kind of impact has it had on daily commuting?
**Mayor Jim Ross:** The response has been overwhelmingly positive! Residents appreciate the convenience and affordability it offers, especially for those who may not have access to private transportation. The service has reduced wait times and provided a reliable way to navigate the city. By enhancing mobility, we’ve not only connected different parts of Arlington but also promoted economic development and reduced reliance on personal vehicles.
**Editor:** Looking to the future, how do you see RAPID evolving, and what are the plans for expanding its reach?
**Dr. Jennifer Cowley:** We’re incredibly excited about the future of RAPID. As technology continues to advance, we aim to expand our service areas and incorporate more autonomous vehicles. We’re also looking into integrating further smart technologies to improve user experience. The goal is to create a comprehensive transit network that’s responsive to community needs.
**Mayor Jim Ross:** Absolutely, and continuing to engage with our residents will be key. We want their feedback to shape the future of RAPID as we explore ways to improve and expand our services effectively.
**Editor:** Thank you both for your insights! It’s clear that Arlington RAPID is leading the way in smart city transportation solutions. Congratulations again on the award!
**Dr. Jennifer Cowley and Mayor Jim Ross:** Thank you! We appreciate the opportunity to share our story.