Bishop Ranch
Ride Free
San Ramon's Autonomous Vehicle Pilot (2023-2025)
In April 2023, the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) launched its inaugural shared autonomous vehicle (SAV) pilot, PRESTO Bishop Ranch, the San Francisco Bay Area’s first autonomous shuttle program to be open to the public. The pilot program concluded in July 2025, giving more than 2,500 free rides to people in San Ramon.
Made possible by
Presto Bishop Ranch Stops
PRESTO ran a continuous loop around Bishop Ranch Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM, stopping at:
- San Ramon Transit Center
- SAP
- City Center
- GE (Northbound)
Connections
Shuttles provided connecting service to County Connection’s 21 and 321 bus routes at San Ramon Transit Center.
Route Map
Presto Bishop Ranch Faqs
What was the goal of the pilot project?
The pilot provided a safe, easy, and innovative way for residents to move around the Bishop Ranch business park. The project also collected invaluable data that will be used in future autonomous vehicle testing and to help shape the future of transportation in Contra Costa County.
Why was Bishop Ranch selected?
Bishop Ranch Business Park in San Ramon, CA was an ideal site for this type of pilot project. Home to over 30,000 employees working for some of the largest companies in the world, Bishop Ranch needed smart, energy-efficient and environmentally friendly mobility solutions. Shared Autonomous Vehicles (SAVs) helped people working at and visiting Bishop Ranch to move about the large campus safely and efficiently and offered a great opportunity to test a wide variety of traveler needs within a concentrated geographical area. Data and findings from the Bishop Ranch pilot project will help Contra Costa County and the country prepare for the future of autonomous vehicle technology.
Who could use the PRESTO shuttle?
Anyone could use the PRESTO shuttle for free during the pilot project. You did not have to work at Bishop Ranch to use the shuttle. Riders aged 16 and under were accompanied by an adult.
What makes a shuttle autonomous?
Autonomous vehicles (AVs) are being safely deployed throughout the U.S. and beyond. PRESTO Bishop Ranch shuttles did not have drivers, pedals, or a steering wheel but did have an on-board attendant to monitor safety. The attendants also answered rider questions about the shuttle. The remote Beep Command Center ensured safe operation of the vehicle at all times.
What was it like riding the shuttle?
At Bishop Ranch, PRESTO shuttles traveled at a maximum speed of 15 miles per hour and rides were limited to 8 people. To board a PRESTO shuttle, passengers waited for it to stop fully, and the doors automatically opened.
Did PRESTO operate in all weather conditions?
PRESTO Bishop Ranch relied on sensitive technology that could be impacted by weather conditions like rain, hail, or strong winds. To ensure passenger safety, service was temporarily suspended on occasion during these events.
Were PRESTO shuttles accessible to people with disabilities?
Yes. PRESTO Bishop Ranch shuttles had a ramp attachment that the attendant could set up to allow wheelchair users to board. Once on board, there were safety anchors that allowed the wheelchair to be secured to the shuttle floor.