The Greenville-Spartanburg Airport (GSP) Commission earlier this month voted to further explore the potential development of an automated transit network at the airport that would include the addition of electric autonomous vehicles to transport passengers between the airport’s parking lots and terminal facility.
Under the agreement approved by the board, Plenary Americas US Holdings will direct planning and design for the project and will provide the commission with information on the regulatory, procurement, commercial, technical, and financial aspects of the project. This process is expected to take 18 months with the goal of determining how a system of electric autonomous vehicles and dedicated roadways can be accommodated at GSP.
“At GSP we are always looking for cutting-edge technology that makes the airport experience more safe, efficient, sustainable and affordable,” said Dave Edwards, president and CEO for the Greenville-Spartanburg Airport District. “We think the future for all-electric automated group rapid transit vehicles in the airport environment is very bright and we look forward to further investigating applications for GSP.”
GSP began looking into all-electric automated vehicle technology back in 2015 with a study to determine alternatives to gasoline-powered shuttle. In 2016, the airport expanded its research to include the feasibility of offering automated vehicles on an on-demand basis.
