On Thursday, the Youngstown Board of Control will consider spending $682,096 to bring automated transit service Downtown.

A federal transit grant as well as state, and private funds will be used to buy and operate an Accessible Automated Vehicle from TransDev, which is the largest private operator of various public transportation modes in the nation.

With support from WRTA, the vehicle will provide daily shuttle service using the self-driving bus along Federal Street.

The service is part of the MAH-SMART2 Network Project announced in 2018 to connect the Valley’s medical, manufacturing, academic, arts, residential, recreational, technology, and training centers by enhancing mobility, improving safety, and integrating technology into a modern and efficient transportation system in Downtown Youngstown.