Rhode Island to Test Self-Driving Shuttle Service
Rhode Island will launch a pilot program next week in Providence to test a self-driving shuttle van.
Rhode Island will launch a pilot program next week in Providence to test a self-driving shuttle van.
The program will use specially equipped vans supplied by Ann Arbor, Mich.-based May Mobility Inc. The vehicles can carry six people, including a backup driver who can take control if necessary.
The service will make 12 stops in Providence between downtown and the city’s Olneyville neighborhood. Currently there is no public transportation offered along the full route.
Riders can use the service for free during the first year of operation. Rhode Island awarded May Mobility a one-year, $800,000 contract in December for the service, with an option of renewing for another two years.
May Mobility already operates pilot programs in Detroit and Columbus, Ohio. Last year, the company announced a partnership with Canada’s Magna International Inc., which is providing its autonomous vehicle technology for the vans. BMW and Toyota previously have invested in the Michigan startup company.
RELATED CONTENT
-
Cobots: 14 Things You Need to Know
What jobs do cobots do well? How is a cobot programmed? What’s the ROI? We asked these questions and more to four of the leading suppliers of cobots.
-
On Zeekr, the Price of EVs, and Lighting Design
About Zeekr, failure, the price of EVs, lighting design, and the exceedingly attractive Karma
-
On Military Trucks, Euro Car Sales, Mazda Drops and More
Did you know Mack is making military dump trucks from commercial vehicles or that Ford tied with Daimler in Euro vehicle sales or the Mazda6 is soon to be a thing of the past or Alexa can be more readily integrated or about Honda’s new EV strategy? All that and more are found here.

