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- 23074 - ATN Feasibility Study
23074 - ATN Feasibility Study
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
WHAT IS AN AUTOMATED TRANSIT NETWORK (ATN):
ATN uses small, electric, self-driving vehicles that travel on dedicated guideways that are above, below, or adjacent to existing roads. These vehicles take riders directly to the station closest to their destination, without stopping in between. This allows for transit that avoids delays from congestion or frequent stops.
There are currently no operational examples of a modern ATN system in the United States. Similar systems are now being explored in Silicon Valley, East Contra Costa County, and elsewhere around the country.
PURPOSE OF THE STUDY
This Feasibility Study explores whether an ATN system could be a good fit for the community. The study will take a close look at how an ATN system could operate in Richmond, its benefits, and resources needed to implement this system.
The study will:
- Review existing policies and plans to understand how an ATN system could align with the City’s transportation and development goals.
- Evaluate existing conditions and develop an evaluation framework to measure how well different options meet Richmond’s mobility and equity objectives.
- Analyze transportation needs and opportunities to understand how people move now and where a new ATN system could help most.
- Identify opportunities to coordinate land use and transportation improvements, such as transit-oriented development (TOD) opportunities that could support and benefit from the ATN system.
- Develop and compare ATN system alternatives, including possible routes, station locations, and operating concepts.
- Conduct community outreach to gather input from residents, businesses, and key stakeholders, ensuring the system reflects local needs and priorities.
- Evaluate the proposed ATN network using the established evaluation framework to assess performance, costs, and community benefits.
Through this process, the study will help determine whether an ATN would effectively serve the mobility needs of Richmond residents and workers.
Community Outreach
GET INVOLVED!
Help shape the future of transit in Richmond—tell us which connections matter most to you!
The City of Richmond is launching a study to see if an automated transit network is the right solution to improve mobility in and around the City. Your feedback will help us identify community priorities and identify potential solutions.
Help shape the future of transit in Richmond!
Tell us which connections matter most to you!
https://bit.ly/RichmondATNStudy
Take the survey by December 31st, 2025!
For more project information, please email us at:
richmond_atn_study@ci.richmond.ca.us
AT A GLANCE
WHY IS THE CITY ADVANCING THIS STUDY? The City of Richmond is working to address a unique set of transportation challenges shaped by its location, existing roadway network, transit network, and diverse community.
Although Richmond is served by six transit operators: BART, Amtrak/Capitol Corridor, AC Transit, WestCAT, Golden Gate Transit, and the San Francisco Bay Ferry, there are limited connections between these services, which makes traveling across the city and region difficult.
To help solve these challenges, the City is exploring the idea of an ATN. This modern system is designed to fill service gaps and make it easier for people to connect to transit.