Free and Open to the Public!
A New Way To Get Around Town
Hop On Board MnDOT’s Destination CAV White Bear Lake Self-Driving Shuttle!
Meet Bear Tracks
MnDOT, through its statewide Connected and Automated Vehicle (CAV) program, has selected White Bear Lake as one of three demonstration projects in the state. The goal is to provide a safe transportation option to residents in the state, particularly those who may not be able to drive independently or travel easily.
The service is free, open to the public, and the project will:
- Familiarize the public with Connected & Automated Vehicle (CAV) technology
- Gather lessons learned for CAV operations in all weather conditions
- Provide innovative mobility options for persons with disabilities and seniors
How To Ride
NOW IN SERVICE! REGULAR HOURS: MONDAY-FRIDAY 9:30 AM – 1:30PM
Map Route
Legend
Did you know?
A safety operator will be onboard the shuttle at all times to verify the safe operation of the vehicle and aid passengers as needed.
Catch The Shuttle
Bear Tracks can carry up to 10 passengers and is wheelchair accessible. It is FREE for all people to ride and experience this new technology! If you are arriving by vehicle to experience the shuttle, we ask you please park at the west end of the YMCA parking lot located at 2100 Orchard Lane, White Bear Lake, MN 55110.
Who
The project is open to anyone in the public to experience automated vehicle technology. The project route is specifically designed to include populations of people who have been historically underprioritized in transportation planning processes including people with disabilities, older people and people with low incomes.
The project is led by the Connected and Automated Vehicle Division (Destination CAV) of the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT). The project has been made possible through the collaboration of the many project partners shown below.
PROJECT LEADER
CONSULTANT PROJECT MANAGER
SHUTTLE OPERATOR
OTHER PROJECT PARTNERS
What
Bear Tracks is a research and demonstration project that involves a low speed (10-12 mph), self-driving, electric, multi-passenger shuttles operating in White Bear Lake, MN for one year. The shuttle can carry up to ten seat-belted passengers at this time and up to one wheel chair passenger at a time. Bear Tracks is free for the public to ride.
Where
The shuttle’s route is 1.5 miles long and serves a White Bear Lake residential street connection multiple locations.
When
Bear Tracks will transport public passengers from August 2022 through July 2023. The planned hours of testing operations will be Monday through Friday, from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm.
Why
This is a research and demonstration vehicle and project and we expect to learn a lot from the project and learn about it’s current limitations
- We want to help advance technology so it could one day be a realistic transportation option for communities
- We want it to safely operate in all weather conditions, snow, rain, freezing temperatures
- Testing allows us to learn and share our and your ideas to ensure technology like this meets EVERYONE’S needs
Connected and automated vehicles have the potential to provide many benefits to Minnesota residents, businesses and visitors, including:
- Increased safety
- Greater equity, access and mobility
- Economic and workforce development
- Improved environment
- More efficient movement of people and goods
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