As the state of Michigan embraces an autonomous vehicle future, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) issued a call for projects for the $8 Million Michigan Mobility Challenge.
The challenge calls for projects that demonstrate technology-driven transportation solutions for the challenges seniors, people with disabilities and veterans face in their daily efforts to get around. Funds will be awarded for the demonstration of multiple projects based on their pilot submissions and proposed service areas. While these projects will have some costs covered by fares, local contributions, and other funds, the state grants will also subsidize a portion of the cost to plan, deliver and monitor the services for three to six months.
“As the needs of residents change, we must develop creative solutions for addressing transit and infrastructure gaps that evolve with geographical shifts,” State Transportation Director Kirk Steudle said. “The $8 Million Michigan Mobility Challenge allows us to use the assets we have and introduce new methods for getting travelers to their destinations as safely and efficiently as possible.”
These projects are not being bound to any one operating area either. The state wants to see projects for urban, rural and suburban communities alike. Ideally, they would also like to see them enhancing existing transportation networks in an area.
The incentivizing funds were earlier approved by both the state Legislature and Gov. Rick Snyder. The challenge is being supported by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services; the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency; the Bureau of Services for Blind Persons; and the Michigan Department of Civil Rights Division on Deaf, Blind and Hard of Hearing.