Pilot Projects

Pilot Projects are short-term, relatively low-cost projects with a lifespan of weeks or months rather than days. Like demonstration projects, a pilot is designed with temporary materials, although durable enough to last months, and may expect some adjustments to improve form and function. A pilot may require maintenance and should be accompanied by performance evaluations to provide the City with data for future decision making. Although not required, pilots may be preceded by a demonstration and/or followed by a permanent capital project. Pilots are useful for quickly targeting safety concerns, such as a gap in the sidewalk or bike network, before a permanent solution can be developed or implemented; for testing the durability and maintenance needs of new materials; for gathering data and contributing to a knowledge base of city-wide use-cases; as a proof of concept; or for developing partnerships and support within the community. 

A photograph of a modular bus boarding platform.
Amelia Street Quick-Build
Bus Boarding Platform (City of Orlando)
  • Lifespan: 3 months – 1 year
  • Planning Timeline: 2 – 6 months
  • Budget: $$
  • Funding: Community Organizations, Small Grants, In-Kind Donations, City Programs (such as safety funds, bike plan implementation, or economic development funds)
  • Public Engagement: Before, during, and after implementation. Community input on design is expedited. No formal comment period
  • Approvals: Transportation Director or Designee, Appearance Review Board or Historical Review Board (if applicable)
  • Permitting: Engineering Permit not required. For street closures, including for installation, coordinate with Traffic Management Division in lieu of Special Events Permit
  • Materials: Temporary, easy to install but more durable or installed differently than demonstration materials