Self-Driving Shuttles Could Be Driving You Around Grand Rapids Next Year
Over the last few years we've been hearing a lot more about autonomous cars but we could be seeing them driving around Grand Rapids next year.
GovTech.com reports that shuttles will be tested for a one-year period beginning in March. It will be free and take riders to places around town including the museums, Bridge St. Market, Van Andel Arena, and the West Side and Heartside neighborhoods.
The shuttle will seat 6 people, 1 reserved for a fleet attendant. The pilot program will be free, but if chosen to continue, it will be available for additional fees. The service is provided by May Mobility, based out of Ann Arbor. The shuttle will have on-board cameras and satellites. The program will cost $750K, with the city paying $250K of it.
Before its launch, questionnaires and surveys will be given to people "to understand the community's needs around accessible vehicles and infrastructure." They will also be tested out during daylight and nighttime hours. According to GovTech, a prototype will be displayed at the end of the month during ArtPrize.