Shreveport’s Sportran Prepares for Autonomous Transit Rollout

Sportran, Shreveport’s public transit system, is preparing to bring autonomous vehicles to local streets by 2026. Thanks to a federally funded grant, the city will become just the second transit system in the nation to launch autonomous public transportation on this scale.

A Nationally Recognized Project

Sportran Director Denero' Washington recently spoke at the national APTA Transform Conference in Boston about the program, known as Evolve. The initiative was made possible through a “smart grant” awarded two years ago by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Washington told KEEL News on Friday that Shreveport has worked closely with labor unions and outside partners to ensure workforce readiness while shaping how these vehicles will fit into the city’s future.

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“We’re not eliminating jobs,” Washington emphasized. “This is adding additional service, creating opportunities, and coordinating with the walkable and bikeable plans we talk about all the time.”

Where the Vehicles Will Run in Shreveport

The first rollout is expected in Shreveport’s downtown entertainment district as well as the medical corridor, where major construction projects are already underway. Washington noted that these areas were selected to maximize access, convenience, and visibility.

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The trial phase will include 10 to 12 vehicles, ranging from modified vans to Ford Transit shuttles, with a full-size bus anticipated later in the decade. Importantly, safeguards will be in place: vehicles with steering wheels will include onboard operators, while steering-wheel-free models will be controlled remotely through Sportran’s new operations center.

Safety and Oversight

Washington reassured residents that public safety remains central. “Each one of these vehicles will have a control operator, or a remote system to step in if needed. We want people to feel comfortable with this new technology,” he said.

What's Next for Sportran's Evolve Program

If successful, the autonomous fleet could eventually expand beyond downtown and the medical district to provide first-mile and last-mile transportation options across the city. Shreveport leaders hope the effort will position the city as a forward-thinking hub, joining Jacksonville, Florida, as one of the first in the country to launch autonomous public transit.

“This is about making sure Shreveport is on top of the curve,” Washington said. “If we love Shreveport, we should roll these projects out on a federal scale.”