In a significant move, the Detroit City Council has greenlit a pioneering deal with May Mobility, a local company based in Ann Arbor, to introduce self-driving shuttles aimed at providing assistance to elderly and vulnerable residents. The contract, valued at $2.5 million, will facilitate transport for individuals who face challenges in moving around independently within the city.
Named the “Detroit Automated Driving Systems Shuttle” program, this groundbreaking initiative aims to cater specifically to locals aged 65 or older and those living with disabilities. Its primary objective is to offer support for attending medical appointments, shopping, and engaging in other essential tasks that might otherwise be difficult for these individuals.
The autonomous shuttle service will be provided entirely free of charge and is slated to be fully operational by the fall of 2024, with funding commitments secured until 2026. Furthermore, residents not qualifying for current paratransit services will also be eligible to avail themselves of this autonomous vehicle (AV) program.
This phase of deployment follows extensive engagement and research that commenced in January 2022, with a comprehensive series of community involvement studies.
The operational specifics of the pilot service are currently being finalized by the Michigan Mobility Collaborative, a public-private partnership dedicated to devising mobility solutions for older adults. The project’s successful execution is anticipated to provide an insightful blueprint showcasing how autonomous transportation can potentially revolutionize communities.
The envisioned system is designed to have a self-driving shuttle pick up passengers from their residences, transport them to their requested destinations, and safely return them to their homes. Customers will have the convenience of pre-booking their rides via a user-friendly app or website, and those less digitally inclined can also access the service through a dedicated call center.
Initially, the program will cover two areas in Detroit – one located north of downtown and another within the city’s south-eastern suburbs. Human operators will accompany passengers during rides to familiarize them with the technology and offer any necessary assistance during boarding or disembarking.
The self-driving shuttles employed are expected to be Level 4 Toyota Sienna Autono-MaaS vehicles, similar to those May Mobility has successfully deployed in previous projects, including the Sun City retirement community in Arizona earlier this year. The Level 4 classification implies that the vehicle is capable of controlling the driving process within a defined area, as recognized by the Society of Automotive Engineers.
These autonomous shuttles rely on a range of cutting-edge equipment, such as lidar, radar, and camera sensors, to enable their automated functionality.
Tim Slusser, Detroit’s Chief of Mobility Innovation, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, emphasizing its significance in integrating self-driving vehicle technology into the existing transportation network while prioritizing public trust. He asserted the city’s commitment to ensuring the safety and informed experience of riding with autonomous vehicles.
Christopher Samp, the city’s Director of Disability Affairs, hailed the service as a “game changer” for residents with disabilities, highlighting how it empowers individuals who cannot obtain a driving license to regain their independence through the use of self-driving cars.
