(UTA) and the downtown area, for the past three years. The project, funded through grants and developed in partnership with VIA Transportation and May Mobility, allows residents to experience selfdriving technology firsthand. “We wanted to allow the community to engage with and get comfortable with autonomous vehicles,” says Winkelblech. “At the same time, we’re analyzing the challenges and opportunities these technologies present for our transit system.”The program celebrated its 100,000th ride in February 2025, a milestone that underscores its growing acceptance. A pioneering effort in Arlington’s transit innovation is a Department of Energy-funded project that leverages drones and ground-based robots to deliver food to low-income residents. “We’re using this program to test the practical applications of these technologies,” Winkelblech notes. “It’s about exploring use cases and determining how they can be integrated into future mobility strategies. ENHANCING REGIONAL CONNECTIVITY Arlington’s commitment to regional connectivity is evident in its participation in the long-term 131 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 04 ARLINGTON, TEXAS, TRANSPORTATION
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