Detroit To Welcome New 2-Way, 10-Mile Autonomous Shuttle
A new 2-way, 10-mile autonomous shuttle is coming to Detroit this summer. It will connect Michigan Central to East Riverfront. According to a news release, the autonomous service is a collaboration between the City of Detroit, Bedrock, Michigan Central, and the State of Michigan’s Office of Future Mobility and Electrification.
How and where will the autonomous shuttle run?
The shuttle service will start with four Ford vans that will offer a “blend of passenger seats and wheelchair accessibility.” It will run from the Michigan Central campus to 200 Walker Street, which is owned by Bedrock. The Connect will use four all-electric Ford E-Transit shuttles, which will have passenger seats and wheelchair accessibilities and a safety operator behind the wheel. The shuttle will run on a pre-programmed route, with sensors and software to help avoid obstacles. An app will be available for riders to download.
Officials said the pilot shuttle service will help stakeholders learn and refine autonomous vehicle transit services “to meet the diverse needs of the surrounding community.” It’s part of the city’s reported goal of expanding and enhancing its transit services and making them affordable for the community.
City of Detroit, Bedrock, Michigan Central, and OFME collaborate on the 10.8 mile two-way ‘Connect’ AV shuttle route, linking Michigan Central to Bedrock’s 200 Walker Street (Photo Courtesy City of Detroit)
“This shuttle service pilot is an example of future transportation innovation taking place in Detroit and the Michigan Central development area, with the goal of setting a new standard for sustainable, efficient, and community-centric mobility,” the city said in a statement.
$1.5 million in funding has been secured for the program’s first year of operation. The money comes from the state’s Office of Future Mobility, Bedrock, and Michigan Central.
The Connect shuttles will undergo several months of testing, both off-road and on-road, to determine efficiency, safety, and the final route details. They should launch in late summer.
Earlier this year, the city of Detroit launched a new self-driving shuttle program. The program is for Detroit seniors and those with disabilities. The shuttle takes passengers to the store, doctor’s appointments, or other destinations free of charge. According to a news release, The city gave the $2.4 million contract to create the autonomous shuttles to May Mobility, a company based in Ann Arbor.
More about autonomous vehicles.
According to the University of Michigan Center For Sustainable Systems, autonomous vehicles use technology to partially or entirely replace the human driver in navigating a vehicle from an origin to a destination while avoiding road hazards and responding to traffic conditions.
They also mentioned that autonomous vehicle research started in the 1980s when universities began working on two types of autonomous vehicles. One that required roadway infrastructure and one that did not.
Roadside Frustrations: 8 Most Annoying Habits Of Other Drivers
The Lane Hogger
You know the type. They leisurely cruise along in the left lane, seemingly oblivious to the growing line of cars behind them. They show no intention of moving over, despite signs clearly indicating slower traffic should keep right. It’s as if they believe they own that lane and everyone else is just passing through.
The Indecisive Merge Master
You’re approaching a merging lane, diligently signaling your intention to merge, when suddenly you spot them—the driver who can’t seem to commit to either accelerating to merge or slowing down to let you in. They teeter on the edge of indecision, causing a chaotic dance of hesitant maneuvering that disrupts the flow of traffic.
The Tailgater
We’ve all encountered the driver who seemingly has a vendetta against personal space. They ride your bumper with an intensity that could rival a race car driver. Whether they’re running late or simply have a persistent need to assert dominance, their tailgating antics create an anxiety-inducing experience.
The Incessant Honker
Honking is meant to be a communication tool, a gentle reminder to draw attention to potential dangers or to express gratitude. However, a special breed of drivers wield their horns like a weapon of mass annoyance. They honk at the slightest inconvenience, from a fraction-of-a-second delay at a green light to a cautious pedestrian exercising their right of way.
The Distracted Doodler
We’re all aware of the dangers of distracted driving, yet some individuals choose to engage in activities outside the confines of a moving vehicle. From applying makeup and eating full meals to scrolling through social media or engaging in animated conversations, these drivers treat their cars as mobile living rooms. Their lack of focus puts us all at risk, and we can’t help but wonder if they have forgotten that driving requires undivided attention.
The Fast Lane Snail
The left lane, aka the fast lane, is meant for, well, going fast. But there’s always that one driver who decides to take a leisurely Sunday drive right there, blocking everyone else behind them. This forces other drivers to undertake risky maneuvers to overtake them, leading to frustration and potentially dangerous situations.
The Traffic Rule Ignorer
Traffic rules exist for a reason. To maintain order, safety, and efficiency on the roads. However, some drivers seemingly view these rules as mere suggestions. They run red lights, ignore stop signs, and make illegal U-turns with complete disregard for the potential consequences. Their actions create chaos and put everyone around them at risk.
The Turn Signal Skippers
It’s like these drivers believe that turn signals are optional car accessories. They change lanes or make turns without a single blinker in sight, leaving the rest of us to play mind readers and guess their next move.
