Yellowstone Park, Beep partner to provide autonomous electric shuttle service

Yellowstone National Park in western United States has started testing its first autonomous electric shuttle service, known as T.E.D.D.Y.. 

Park management has partnered up with autonomous mobility company Beep, Inc. and the U.S. Department of Transportation. Visitors can opt to ride one of two low-speed shuttles for free through August 31. 

The primary goal of the testing phase is data collecting, meaning understanding how this technology operates in parks by obtaining information about ridership, speeds, stop times, and attendant overrides. 

"We’re very pleased to participate in this shuttle pilot and test this evolving technology," Yellowstone superintendent Cam Sholly said in a national park service release. 

COVID-19 precautionary measures will continue to be in place, the release said. 

Photo: T.E.D.D.Y. 1 and 2 in front of Moran Lodge (Credit: NPS / Jacob W. Frank)