1. Autolane Develops “Air-Traffic Control” for Autonomous Vehicles
Autolane is building an “air-traffic control” system designed to coordinate robotaxi pickups and drop-offs at busy commercial locations. The startup recently raised $7.4 million and partnered with a major real-estate operator to deploy the system across properties in Texas and California. Its platform is intended to prevent clustering, gridlock, and unsafe curb behavior among large autonomous fleets. As autonomous vehicle (AV) density increases, cities may require dedicated software-driven coordination tools rather than relying solely on traditional road infrastructure. The technology could help reduce congestion at malls, offices, and mixed-use centers where AVs frequently stage. Georgia may want to explore similar traffic-management concepts to prepare for future robotaxi growth.
Read More: TechCrunch
2. Federal Probe Launched After a Popular Robotaxi Company’s Cars Pass Stopped School Buses
Federal regulators have opened an investigation after a popular robotaxi company’s autonomous cars were recorded illegally passing stopped school buses in Texas. A local district documented 19 incidents in which the vehicles continued past buses with flashing red lights and extended stop arms. Officials reported that the problem persisted even after the company deployed a software update intended to fix the issue. Regulators have now requested extensive data and asked whether a safety recall is being considered. The situation has become a flashpoint in the debate over whether autonomous vehicles (AVs) can safely operate around children and school zones. For policymakers, it reinforces the need for strong oversight, clear operating restrictions, and accountability measures before approving widespread AV adoption.
Read More: Fox Business
3. Rural Minnesota Expands Transit Services Using Driverless Vehicles
A rural Minnesota transit system is expanding mobility options by deploying driverless vehicles for on-demand rides. The program aims to connect residents with jobs, healthcare, and essential services in areas where traditional transit is limited or cost-inefficient. Early results suggest autonomous shuttles can function effectively in low-density regions that lack the ridership needed to support fixed-route systems. Officials say the service could significantly improve transportation access for seniors, low-income residents, and people without cars. The pilot indicates that autonomous vehicles (AVs) may play a meaningful role in rural mobility, not just in large urban markets. Georgia’s rural counties could benefit from evaluating similar programs as part of future transit-planning efforts.
Read More: NPR
4. Major Ride-Hail Company Launches an Autonomous Ride Option in Dallas
A major ride-hailing company has rolled out an autonomous-vehicle (AV) option in Dallas through a partnership with a self-driving technology provider. Riders can now choose between a human-driven vehicle or an autonomous one, with early trips including a human monitor inside. The company sees the hybrid model as a way to ease the public into autonomous mobility while meeting regulatory safety requirements. Analysts say integrating AVs into an existing ride-hail platform helps normalize the technology and accelerates broader adoption. For states like Georgia, this demonstrates how AV rollouts may increasingly flow through established mobility apps rather than standalone pilot programs.
Read More: Axios
5. A Popular Robotaxi Company Begins Autonomous Testing in Pittsburgh
A popular robotaxi company is expanding into Pittsburgh with an initial testing phase that includes vehicles operating with human safety drivers. The company will gather detailed data on the city’s unique road layouts, traffic patterns, and weather conditions. Local officials are monitoring how the vehicles navigate downtown corridors and interact with pedestrians and drivers. This expansion demonstrates the company’s push to move beyond early-adopter markets and into more varied metropolitan environments. For states like Georgia, the move signals the need for well-defined AV regulations and curb-use policies to support future deployments.
Read More: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
