May Mobility, a developer of autonomous driving (AD) technologies, has partnered with SouthWest Transit to launch a new autonomous microtransit service in Eden Prairie, MI.
The partnership is the first step in a three-year contract SouthWest Transit signed with May Mobility to enhance its existing microtransit service. May Mobility has said that its AVs will be integrated into SouthWest Transit’s transportation ecosystem in Fall 2024, with both companies aiming to provide the public with a new, on-demand, transportation option.
The service will use these AVs to connect users to residential, employment and shopping districts, while also providing first- and last-mile transportation to mobility hubs in Eden Prairie. Here, it will also enable travel to and from pre-determined stops through the Prime mobile app and include a stop at the Southwest Light Rail which connects downtown Minneapolis, downtown Saint Paul and places in between.
In addition to these vehicles, May Mobility will also deploy five wheelchair-accessible AVs that feature an ADA-compliant wheelchair ramp and securement system. By utilizing a fully wheelchair-accessible fleet, the new service will give both wheelchair users and other riders greater access to safe, convenient and comfortable transportation.
