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May Mobility has partnered with the City of Detroit’s Office of Mobility Innovation (OMI) and the Michigan Mobility Collaborative (MMC) to launch the Detroit Automated Driving Systems (ADS) pilot, branded as Accessibili-D. This initiative aims to enhance the mobility and quality of life for seniors and individuals with disabilities in Detroit. The pilot service begins on June 20, 2024, and will be available until 2026.
Key Highlights:
- Free rides for select residents aged 62 and older or with disabilities.
- Service starts June 20, 2024, covering 68 stops in downtown Detroit.
- Three AVs, including two wheelchair-accessible vehicles, will be deployed.
Service Details:
May Mobility will operate three autonomous vehicles (AVs), including two that are wheelchair accessible, across an 11 square-mile area in downtown Detroit. The service will run from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on weekends. Interested individuals must submit an Expression of Interest form to enroll and can then book rides through the Accessibili-D app, powered by Via, or by calling (734) 209-3408.
“Many Detroiters have trouble getting around due to the costs of owning a car or mobility challenges arising from age or disabilities,” said Edwin Olson, CEO and co-founder of May Mobility. “We’re excited to show how autonomous technology can help in Detroit, where we will be launching our largest service area to date.”
Last July, the Detroit City Council approved a $2.4 million contract with May Mobility to provide the Accessibili-D service. Outreach programs have been conducted to educate potential users about the benefits of AVs and to identify key locations within the service area. Feedback from riders will guide the expansion of the service zone over the coming months.
“We’re thrilled to launch the ‘Accessibili-D’ autonomous shuttle service, a vital step toward enhancing mobility for our older residents and those with disabilities,” said Tim Slusser, chief of the Office of Mobility Innovation at the City of Detroit. “We are thankful for the expert collaboration of the institutions and individuals at the Michigan Mobility Collaborative and May Mobility for their invaluable partnership. Together, we’re making Detroit a more inclusive city for all.”
Preparation and Testing:
May Mobility collaborated with the University of Michigan’s Mcity and the American Center for Mobility (ACM) for extensive vehicle testing. The testing included the Mcity Safety Assessment Program and comprehensive simulations developed by ACM to replicate real-world urban scenarios.
Technology:
May Mobility’s AVs are equipped with Multi-Policy Decision Making (MPDM) technology, which uses data from multiple lidar, radar, and cameras to create a 360-degree view of surroundings. This technology allows AVs to simulate thousands of scenarios per second, ensuring safe and efficient navigation even in unpredictable situations.
Deployment History:
The Detroit ADS pilot marks May Mobility’s 14th deployment. The company also operates in Ann Arbor, MI; Grand Rapids, MN; Miami, FL; Arlington, TX; and Sun City, AZ.
This innovative pilot program underscores Detroit’s commitment to advancing autonomous vehicle technology and improving transportation accessibility for all residents.
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