Rhode Island awards contract to run self-driving shuttles
PROVIDENCE (AP) — The Rhode Island Department of Transportation has awarded a contract to begin a self-driving shuttle service in Providence.
The agency said Monday that May Mobility in Ann Arbor, Mich., will operate the state's first autonomous transit pilot service, to launch this spring.
The state will pay $800,000 for the first year.
The shuttles will run between downtown Providence and Olneyville via the Woonasquatucket (woo-NAH'-squaw-tuck-ett) River corridor. There's currently no public transit along the full route.
The company will test the electric shuttles in the Quonset Business Park this winter.
Each vehicle holds six people, including an attendant who'll have the ability to fully control the shuttle at any time to ensure safety.
The service will be free for a year.
The contract includes options to extend the service for two more years.
Stories that may interest you
Friends, family flock to Long Island to mourn Gabby Petito
Mourners are paying their respects to Gabby Petito, whose death on a cross-country trip has sparked a manhunt for her boyfriend
NYC police hold funeral for slain twin boys, continue probe
Newborn twins have finally been laid to rest following a funeral service organized by the New York City police officers who are still working to find the person who killed the boys nearly a year ago
Connecticut schools brace for potential bus driver shortage
School districts around Connecticut are holding their breath as more than 200 school bus driver could walk off the job in response to a vaccination mandate
Police in New England, across U.S. clamor for de-escalation training
Since the death of George Floyd and the protests that followed, police departments around the country are increasingly pushing for de-escalation training
READER COMMENTS