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
Disaster declarations approved as New England virus death toll rises
Connecticut submarine builder Electric Boat's president has tested positive for the coronavirus
Nuclear plant spent fuel transfer to go on despite coronavirus concerns
Plans to transfer radioactive spent fuel at the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station in Plymouth to steel-lined dry casks will go on as scheduled despite the coronavirus pandemic
Suspects in killing of Stamford jewelry store owner arrested
Connecticut authorities say suspects in the killing of a Stamford jewelry store owner have been taken into custody in New York on unrelated charges
Cause of death to be determined on 6-week-old infant
The baby had no other known medical conditions other than COVID-19.
READER COMMENTS