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CPMA 2024 Annual Conference & Expo

UNC Charlotte's Connected Autonomous Shuttle Supporting Innovation (CASSI) Pilot Details & Lessons Learned

Tuesday, September 24, 11:15 AM, Room: Glenwaters

UNC Charlotte partnered with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) Fall Semester of 2023 to test and evaluate an automated shuttle with connected vehicle features through a pilot that provided free shared rides to the public through the Connected Autonomous Shuttle Supporting Innovation (CASSI) program.  CASSI showed the public what automated vehicle technology could do in a safe, real-world setting and evaluated how automated vehicles can best be used by riders with different needs and in different environments. The pilot focused on transit applications on a college campus of 30,000+ students.

Learning Objectives

  • Provide an overview of the pilot with a focus on the partnerships and data that were critical to evaluating an automated shuttle as a transit option on a university campus.

  • Compare the experience at UNC Charlotte versus the pilot experience at Cary, NC's Fred G. Bond Metro Park (Bond Park) in the three months leading up to the pilot at UNC Charlotte.

  • Evaluate details surrounding the teamwork, problem-solving, challenges, and outcomes achieved by the multitude of partners and the technology vendors across the project and offer lessons learned for future automated vehicle pilots.

Sarah Searcy

Sarah Searcy is an applied research professional and program manager with over twelve years of experience serving North Carolina to advance safe, equitable, and innovative multimodal transportation throughout the state. As the Senior Advisor for Innovation in the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT)’s Integrated Mobility Division, she directs projects and programs that improve shared mobility options and promote transportation systems that work for everyone. Sarah manages the Connected Autonomous Shuttle Supporting Innovation (CASSI) program for NCDOT to pilot connected and automated vehicles (CAV) in partnership with communities across the state. Prior to joining NCDOT in 2021, Sarah was with the Institute for Transportation Research and Education (ITRE) at NC State University for over eight years, most recently as the Bicycle and Pedestrian Program Manager.

Sarah is a Fulbright award recipient and two-time East Carolina University alumna with a bachelor’s degree in Art and Anthropology and a master’s degree in Sociology.

Doug Lape

Doug Lape is a seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience in campus auxiliary services. In 2023, he assumed the role of Associate Vice Chancellor for Business Services at UNC Charlotte, where he has distinguished himself through his innovative approaches to driving business growth, commitment to exceptional customer service, and unwavering support for cutting-edge technology solutions.

Previously, the majority of Lape’s experience was in the campus parking and transportation industry, which he continues to support in his current role. Throughout his career, Lape has demonstrated a keen ability to streamline operations, optimize resources, and enhance the overall customer experience. His leadership has been instrumental in implementing transformative initiatives that have not only improved efficiency but also elevated the standard of service delivery.

Lape’s strategic vision and collaborative approach have fostered strong partnerships both within the university community and beyond, leading to the development of innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of students, faculty, staff, and visitors. His commitment to continuous improvement and forward-thinking solutions has earned him respect and admiration from colleagues and peers alike. As Associate Vice Chancellor for Business Services, Lape remains dedicated to driving positive change, fostering a culture of innovation, and ensuring that UNC Charlotte continues to thrive as one of the fastest growing institutions in higher education.

Lape is a graduate of The Ohio State University and resides in Charlotte with his wife, Anne and Stepson, Adam.