The Detroit News: Detroit to launch free autonomous shuttle for elderly, disabled residents
Sarah Rahal, The Detroit News
Detroit — Detroit is launching a free autonomous shuttle for seniors and those with disabilities next week as part of a pilot program to help them get to stores, doctor appointments, or social and recreational events.
Mayor Mike Duggan joined city leaders with the Office of Mobility and Innovation, Michigan Mobility Collaborative and May Mobility Wednesday for a preview of "Accessibili-D," a self-driving shuttle service set to launch June 20.
The free pilot will run through 2025. It aims to help Detroiters 62 and older or those living with disabilities reach their destination with a service that can be scheduled in advance or on demand.
"Detroit is becoming a national leader in mobility innovation and there is no better use for these advancements than to make sure our most vulnerable residents have a safe and convenient way to access the goods and services they need for a good quality of life,” Duggan said. “This new shuttle has enormous potential to give older residents and those living with disabilities the ability to be self-sufficient.”
The shuttle service will operate within an 11-square-mile area in southeast Detroit, covering 68 stops along a pre-programmed route. Three autonomous vehicles, including two that are wheelchair accessible, will be deployed. The service operates weekdays (except Tuesday) from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and weekends from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Officials said there will be a safety operator present at all times to assist riders with onboarding and offboarding.
Like a bus stop, riders need to get to the closest stop on the route and then can be taken to any of the 68 locations on the Phase 1 pilot route and returned to their starting point. Several stops are located at multi-unit apartment buildings along the route.
Officials said there will be a safety operator present at all times to assist riders with onboarding and offboarding.
Like a bus stop, riders need to get to the closest stop on the route and then can be taken to any of the 68 locations on the Phase 1 pilot route and returned to their starting point. Several stops are located at multi-unit apartment buildings along the route.
Edwin Olson, CEO and co-founder of May Mobility, which has systems in place in more than a dozen locations across the country, including Ann Arbor, said Detroit will be its largest service area yet.
“Many Detroiters have trouble getting around due to the costs of owning a car or mobility challenges arising from age or disabilities,” Olson said.
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