Las Vegas Medical District puts in place advanced mobility programme

The programme, which will be led by design firm Stantec, will include the integration of autonomous vehicles with a wider connected intelligent transportation system.

The Las Vegas Medical District (LVMD) is implementing an advanced mobility programme that will include the integration of autonomous vehicles (AVs) with a wider connected intelligent transportation system.

The Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) of Southern Nevada has selected global design firm Stantec to lead the implementation of the GoMed programme, a vision for safer and more efficient travel to, from, and within the LVMD.

It claims the GoMed programme will be one of the first long-term deployments of AV shuttles in the world.

Integrating technologies

The programme entails planning and implementation for the seamless integration of AVs, connected technologies, traffic and data management, and user software interface. GoMed – also known as the Automated Circulator and Connected Pedestrian Safety programme – is largely funded through a US Department of Transportation (USDoT) Build programme award and will be jointly delivered by the RTC and the City of Las Vegas.

The programme demonstrates the ability to apply connected and automated technology in a complex urban setting, and will integrate connected technologies like automated pedestrian detection to enhance safety. Las Vegas has been on the forefront of new mobility, including the Fremont Street pilot, the first driverless shuttle pilot in the US, where Stantec staff provided programme management, vehicle testing plans, and AV strategies.

“We are delighted to be a partner in this cutting-edge project. Las Vegas is leading the way in deploying autonomous vehicles to solve real-world problems, building a more sustainable transportation system for the future,” said Kate Jack, smart mobility lead at Stantec. “By deploying these shuttles from downtown to the medical district, we are providing a stress-free and accessible mobility solution for patients and staff.”

“Las Vegas is leading the way in deploying autonomous vehicles to solve real-world problems, building a more sustainable transportation system for the future”

Prioritising safety, accessibility, equity, and a friendly user experience will be central to the GoMed strategy. The on-demand service offered by connected and autonomous technology will deliver patients and staff to LVMD locations and nearby transit facilities efficiently and comfortably, inclusive of those with disabilities.

The solutions applied to the 674-acre cluster of hospitals, clinics, and the University of Nevada, are intended to be scalable and replicable city-wide, providing potential long-term mobility solutions for the Las Vegas Valley.

“We have a longstanding relationship with both the RTC and the City of Las Vegas, and we are thrilled to be part of this revolutionary project,” said Brian Norris, project manager and Stantec’s transportation business leader. “We see our role in this project as more than just a consultant – we’ll be a mobility partner to RTC and the City every step of the way from planning and implementation to ribbon cutting.”