Autonomous shuttles could come to PIT airport

• PIT is now running shuttles with human drivers between the old parking lots and the hotel.

Yes, but: Passengers being dropped off or using the new parking lot or garage adjacent to the terminal don't have to use shuttles.

The big picture: PIT is proposing a free autonomous shuttle route between the long-term parking lot and the new parking garage next to the new terminal, according to a PennDOT report. The shuttles will also stop at the Hyatt Regency Airport and the parking garage in front of the old terminal.

• A bridge will be constructed adjacent to the old terminal, and a dedicated fixed guideway will cover the rest of the half-mile route.
• It's unclear how long the shuttles will take to traverse the route.

Zoom in: Each Oceaneering electric shuttle would fit 12-22 people, depending on their luggage.

By the numbers: Total costs are estimated at $75 million, including $30 million for infrastructure and $32 million for the shuttles.

• PIT spends $11.8 million a year on its existing bus fleet, per the report.

• The proposal estimates PIT would save $400,000 the first year of the shuttle's use, with savings increasing each subsequent year.

Zoom out: Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey will test autonomous shuttles this spring.

Flashback: PIT used an underground autonomous tram to ferry passengers from the old landside terminal to the airside terminal for more than 33 years before it was decommissioned last fall.

• The tram cost $4.5 million a year to maintain, but it also used antiquated technology that was difficult to replace, per PIT officials.

PennDOT will seek public comment on the proposal between Sunday and April 14.

• Give feedback here.