The $1.2 million Little Roady autonomous vehicle pilot project went into service Wednesday in Rhode Island.
The project will help the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) understand the opportunities and challenges faced with integrating autonomous mobility technology.
“The kickoff of this service and research project is another achievement for the new DOT,” RIDOT Director Peter Alviti Jr. said. “Our transportation agency has literally been rebuilt to effectively deliver safer roads and bridges while simultaneously studying and piloting new technologies. In doing so, we’ll keep Rhode Island well ahead of the curve for the transportation solutions of tomorrow.”
The program will operate in Providence from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. daily. It will make a continuous, 5.3-mile loop on low-speed roads and make 12 stops between Olneyville Square and Providence Station. Each trip will last approximately 20-25 minutes.
Provided by May Mobility, the Little Roady shuttles operate using a system of sensors and intelligent software.
May Mobility entered into an $800,000 public-private partnership with RIDOT last fall. The Michigan-based startup company develops self-driving shuttles for municipalities, businesses, and college campuses.
The company has established a local operations office in Providence and has hired residents to serve as fleet attendants and managers.