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May Mobility, a pioneer in autonomous vehicle (AV) technology, has reached a major milestone in its RAPID AV pilot program in Arlington, Texas. Since launching in March 2021, the service has provided over 100,000 rides, offering free transportation to university students and staff around the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) campus and downtown area. This achievement highlights the increasing need for reliable, autonomous transportation solutions in suburban and campus settings, making it easier for people to get to classes, jobs, and entertainment.
The RAPID AV pilot is a partnership between May Mobility, the City of Arlington, Via, and UTA. It aims to deliver a convenient and cost-effective way for the university community—especially students without personal vehicles—to move around. Surveys show the service fills a critical gap, with many relying on it daily.
Key Highlights:
- May Mobility’s RAPID AV pilot has completed over 100,000 rides in Arlington, Texas.
- The service is free for UTA students and staff, covering the campus and downtown area.
- 67% of riders are university students, using it for school and work commutes.
- 75% of riders earn less than $35,000 annually, and half lack a vehicle.
- Advanced Multi-Policy Decision Making (MPDM) technology ensures safety in busy areas.
- 96% of riders feel safe during their trips.
- Partners include May Mobility, the City of Arlington, Via, and UTA.
The service has been a game-changer for students like Ravi Krishnan, the 100,000th rider, who said, “Riding in the autonomous vehicles is especially helpful when I have exams and classes. It saves me lots of time.” Walking to class takes him 30 minutes, but the AV cuts that to just 5-10 minutes. Surveys reveal 67% of riders are students, with 75% earning under $35,000 yearly and half without cars. Even car owners use it as a backup.
May Mobility’s AVs use MPDM technology, an AI system that processes thousands of scenarios per second to navigate safely, especially in pedestrian-heavy zones like UTA. This focus on safety pays off—96% of riders report feeling secure. The service logs over 1,000 rides weekly, earning a 4.9-out-of-5-star rating from nearly 10,000 reviews. Riders use it for school, work, and shopping, with funding from a Federal Transit Administration grant.
“The City of Arlington is pleased to celebrate the RAPID pilot’s many accomplishments, including reaching 100,000 rides,” said Ann Foss, Planning and Programming Manager for the city. “It’s well-suited for our downtown and UTA campus, serving students, residents, and visitors daily.”
The service operates with four AVs, including one wheelchair-accessible vehicle, across 35 pick-up and drop-off points. It’s free for UTA students and staff ($3 for the public), bookable via the Via-powered Arlington Transportation app, which pairs riders heading the same way. This milestone shows how AVs can boost mobility beyond big cities, setting the stage for future growth in autonomous transit.
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