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University of Oklahoma team outlines autonomous-shuttle pilot, seeks city coordination on stops and data
Summary
A University of Oklahoma-led project funded by the U.S. Department of Energy aims to run autonomous shuttles in Atoka in 2026; presenters described proposed day and night routes, coordination needs for bus-stop signage and easements, short-term camera data collection, and public outreach.
Representatives from the University of Oklahoma on Monday presented a Department of Energy-funded autonomous-vehicle pilot designed to deploy shuttles and small autonomous vehicles in Atoka next year.
"My name is Dong. I'm representing a team ... with doctor Hintong and doctor Hintsu," said Dong, a project representative, describing routes the team has been discussing with Jam Transit and ODOT. The planned day route would run from the Pilot Travel Center north through several commercial and residential anchors and end downtown; a separate night route would serve gaming and hospitality areas and not go into downtown, the presenters said.
The project team said the deployment could arrive in 2026 and run for about six to seven months depending on testing. They told the council they are considering moving more of the operation into the summer of 2026 to capture higher ridership; any timing change would require coordination with the Department of Energy and internal budget periods.
City staff and the presenters discussed operational needs: stops will require signage and accessible pull-outs, some stop locations may need easements or city approval to place signs on private easements, and on state rights-of-way ODOT will need to be part of the approval process. City staff advised that council approval would likely be needed for signage in easements.
The team also requested short-term camera installations at key intersections to measure traffic volumes for about one or two weeks; the presenters said they could share the data publicly and that ODOT might also be interested. The team discussed daytime shuttles (larger vehicles) and smaller autonomous cars for nighttime service, and said they have run public demonstrations locally in 2024.
Presenters encouraged public engagement and noted an online outreach channel, a Facebook page called Impact Ash Atoka, and a written survey the city can distribute. No formal council action or vote occurred; the item was a presentation and discussion. Council members and staff offered to work with the project team to resolve stop locations and permitting needs before any deployment.
