Local Motors' autonomous shuttles begin operating at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall near D.C.

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On Wednesday, June 19, Local Motors deployed a fleet of its Olli autonomous shuttles at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, which is an Army and Marine Corps joint base adjacent to Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, D.C.

The deployment is the result of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall winning a regional fleet challenge, which asked entrants to propose use-case scenarios for the Olli autonomous shuttle.

“Olli’s deployment at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall illustrates a unique use-case scenario for autonomous vehicles, and knowing that it will directly benefit men and women serving our country makes it even more special,” says Jay Rogers, CEO and co-founder of Local Motors.

“The Olli Fleet Challenge gives us opportunities to introduce our autonomous shuttles to a variety of audiences and users across a diverse landscape of settings, and this collaboration with Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall is yet another example of how entities that serve the greater public can benefit from innovation in the private sector.”

The shuttles will be used to transport base personnel to different stops such as the community center, dining options, a health clinic and barracks.

Over the last few weeks, Local Motors’ engineers have been collaborating with base personnel to map the route that Olli will use.

“I had a chance to learn about and ride Olli during a visit to Local Motors earlier this year, and that experience only heightened my excitement about bringing this shuttle to Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall,” says Lt. Colonel Brandon Newall, with the Marine Corps Installation Command.

“This type of partnership further demonstrates how military installations can and should look to innovative solutions that create efficiencies while also providing real support for the men and women who choose to serve.”

Part of an “ongoing, first-of-its-kind global initiative,” the Olli Fleet Challenge invites municipalities, campuses and designated districts to propose a short-term, local use for Olli. Thus far, Olli shuttles have been deployed to the campus of Sacramento State, as well as a busy thoroughfare in Australia. The shuttles are also operating at the California State Exposition.

Additional fleet challenges are currently taking place in Atlanta, Georgia, and in Southern California.