News

Actions

Detroit tests self-driving shuttles

Detroit tests self-driving shuttles
Posted at 1:23 PM, Oct 12, 2017
and last updated 2017-10-12 13:23:37-04

A developer is testing two self-driving shuttles in downtown Detroit with an eye on the future of public transit and autonomous vehicle technology.

Ann Arbor-based May Mobility has partnered with Detroit businessman Dan Gilbert's Bedrock real estate firm to bring the Polaris GEM e6 vehicles to the city as a way of improving access and safety for riders needing transportation downtown.

The shuttles are being tested on a pilot route for five nights ending Friday. The vehicles carry up to six people, run at 25 mph and are surrounded with sensors measuring distances from at least 320 feet (100 meters) away.

The service is expected to officially launch in summer 2018.