A few weeks after launching a self-driving pilot program available to the public in Frisco, Texas, Drive.ai and the city of Arlington, Texas have signed a contract initiating a one-year self-driving program for Arlington residents, visitors, and anyone who’s interested in taking a ride in one of Drive.ai’s self-driving vehicles.

Expected to start on October 19, the program will add another transportation option within Arlington's Entertainment District.

“Our partnership with the City of Arlington represents another important milestone: this program marks our first revenue,” Drive.ai says in a company blog post.  

“We’re officially “open for business,” — now with two publicly-available self-driving services in U.S. cities — and we will continue to look for ways to solve the real-world transportation challenges facing communities today.”

The program will start with a fleet of three self-driving three-passenger vans. The vans, which will have safety operators onboard during the initial phase of the pilot program, will operate alongside other vehicles on the road in a predetermined, geo-fenced area at speeds up to 35 miles per hour.

The vehicles will be used to meet the day-to-day mobility needs for residents. Additionally, they will help visitors get to and from remote parking lots to AT&T Stadium, Globe Life Park, and other venues.

“The City is excited to continue our exploration into new and innovative mobility solutions,” says Arlington Mayor Jeff Williams. “Early testing of these technologically advanced solutions will prepare the City to take advantage of unique and efficient transportation options as they become available.”

The initial project cost will total $434,952 for three vehicles, but a majority of that cost will be covered by a $343,000 federal grant. The remainder of funding will come from the city.

Arlington is no stranger to this type of technology, as last year, the city became the first in the country to offer continuous autonomous shuttle service to the public. Known as Milo, that autonomous shuttle pilot program ended earlier this month after operating safely for more than 100 special events over a one-year study period.