Drive.ai has announced that it is launching a pilot program to bring an on-demand self-driving car service to Frisco, Texas starting in July 2018.

Drive.ai describes this program as a “milestone for the State of Texas,” as it will be the first time that members of the public will have access to an on-demand self-driving car service on public roads.

“Self-driving cars are here, and can improve the way we live right now,” says Sameep Tandon, co-founder and CEO of Drive.ai.

“Our technology is safe, smart, and adaptive, and we are ready to work with governments and businesses to solve their transportation needs.”

The company is working with the Frisco Transportation Management Association (TMA) to offer rides in self-driving vehicles to more than 10,000 people. The rides will take place within a geofenced area made up of retail, entertainment, and office space.

The initial pilot will run for six months, starting with fixed pickup and drop-off locations, with plans for expansion.

Drive.ai’s self-driving on-demand service will be operated in conjunction with Frisco TMA, which is a public-private partnership dedicated to bringing “innovative last-mile transportation” options to Frisco’s growing population. Included in the Frisco TMA are the City of Frisco, HALL Group, Frisco Station Partners, The Star, and the Denton County Transportation Authority, which will administer the program. 

Leading up to the launch date in July, office employees, residents, and patrons of these “partners’ Frisco developments” will gradually on-board into the program, and they will gain access to Drive.ai’s ride-hailing smartphone app.

When the program becomes live, riders will use the app to hail complimentary on-demand rides in self-driving cars that connect to popular destinations in one of Frisco’s “most lively areas.”

“Frisco is recognized as a leader in using ‘smart,’ innovative traffic technologies,” says Frisco Mayor Jeff Cheney. “Drive.ai’s autonomous vehicles will help people get around one of our most vibrant, commercial areas along Frisco’s ‘North Platinum Corridor.’”

Leading up to the launch of the program in July, Drive.ai will work with its partners to engage with Frisco community members, to make sure that they are educated about and comfortable with the program.

Other steps that are being taken to make sure that community members are comfortable with the program include informational signage being placed throughout the route, the vehicles being painted a highly-visible orange, and the vehicles will also feature four external screens that communicate the vehicles’ intended actions to pedestrians and other drivers on the roads.