Pilot program to test and research a new high-tech mode of transit
The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) today announced that it is has awarded a contract to May Mobility to deliver a limited and controlled automated vehicle service to help fill a transportation gap between downtown Providence and Olneyville via the Woonasquatucket River corridor. May Mobility was selected through a competitive request-for-proposals (RFP) process that started earlier this year.
This pilot service will be available and free to the public for a year, during which time RIDOT will test and research a range of factors to better understand the potential of new technology to improve mobility options for Rhode Islanders.
Through this public-private partnership, the company will begin a study and testing phase with small autonomous vehicle shuttles. Each vehicle will hold six people including a fleet attendant who will have the ability to fully control the vehicle at any time, further ensuring safety. The shuttles are fully electric, supporting the state's environmental and emissions reductions goals.
This first phase will begin over the winter months on low-volume, low-speed roadways in the Quonset Business Park in North Kingstown. The shuttle service is expected to be available to the public in the Woonasquatucket River corridor in Providence in late spring 2019.
Information about the hours of operation, number of available vehicles and stops along the route will be announced well in advance of the start of service. RIDOT and May Mobility will develop a public education campaign including signs along the route and a website.
Under the terms of the public-private partnership, RIDOT will contribute $800,000 for the first year of operation. This includes $300,000 of 100 percent federally funded research funds through the Federal Highway Administration and a $500,000 grant awarded by the R.I. Attorney General's Office as part of a settlement with Volkswagen for violating Rhode Island's laws prohibiting the sale and leasing of diesel vehicles equipped with illegal and undisclosed emissions control defeat device software.
RIDOT's contract with May Mobility includes options to extend the service for an additional two years.
May Mobility is an Ann Arbor, Michigan based startup that is developing self-driving shuttles for college campuses, corporate clients, and central business districts. It launched a private corporate service in Detroit in June 2018 and has entered into agreements for public service routes in Columbus, Ohio and Grand Rapids, Michigan.
"We've made significant strides in rebuilding our transportation system through RhodeWorks, and as we deliver on that plan, we also are looking forward to integrating new technology into our transportation system," Governor Gina Raimondo said. "This is an exciting time as Rhode Island takes bold steps, positioning itself as a leader."
"Now that we are well underway in executing the Governor's RhodeWorks program, we are able to focus on improving our transportation system - and that includes pilot programs like this to look at how to safely integrate new technology into our planning in a very careful, measured manner," said RIDOT Director Peter Alviti.
"Our goal is to allow people to drive less and live more by making transportation more accessible and convenient for all. We're thrilled to be partnering with RIDOT where our service will connect multiple communities both to each other and to mass transit - creating opportunities with a service that riders are going to love," said May Mobility CEO Edwin Olson.
Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza said, "Providence will be the pilot for innovative technologies that could change the way we think about transportation. The Creative Capital has both the resources and talent to explore and invest in emerging sciences that will one day lead to more equitable, interconnected and safer cities."
"RIPTA is pleased to be a partner in our state's first autonomous transit pilot. This new technology has real potential to provide safe, convenient transportation options and enhance our state's public transit system. The autonomous shuttle service will connect to RIPTA's bus service, providing another way to use transit to take you where you need to go," said RIPTA CEO Scott Avedisian.
Katherine Trapani, Planning Manager at Quonset Development Corporation said, "Quonset is pleased to host this innovative transportation pilot as a test site. We are excited about this technology's potential future applications in providing affordable public transportation options for the 12,000 employees who work here in the business park."
Thomas Cute, President of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 618 said, "New technology associated with autonomous vehicles can be helpful to bus operators as far as pedestrian recognition and blind spot warnings, but the Union remains concerned about the total replacement of human operators who bring a dynamic of safe interactions with passengers."
RIDOT has committed to working cooperatively with the Amalgamated Transit Union as part of this pilot program which is designed to study the Union's concerns. RIDOT will work with them to find beneficial solutions that address their concerns as RIDOT creates the transit system of tomorrow.
Today's announcement is the latest step in a multi-agency effort called the Rhode Island Transportation Innovation Partnership (TRIP) Mobility Challenge to explore new technologies in transportation. Among its many partners are the City of Providence, the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA), and the Quonset Development Corporation.
More information about the TRIP Mobility Challenge can be found at www.ridot.net/TRIP.