The future of transportation is arriving in Eden Prairie this fall with the launch of the Twin Cities’ first autonomous microtransit service.
The new service is a partnership between SouthWest Transit and May Mobility, an Ann Arbor, Michigan-based company specializing in autonomous driving technology.
A joint press release announced Monday that SouthWest Transit has signed a three-year contract with May Mobility to enhance its SW Prime service.
According to the press release, May Mobility’s autonomous vehicles (AVs) will be integrated into SouthWest Transit’s system this fall, providing an additional on-demand transportation option.
The autonomous microtransit service will connect users to residential areas, workplaces, shopping districts, and the Southwest Light Rail once the rail is operational. These vehicles will offer first- and last-mile transportation to key mobility hubs in Eden Prairie. Riders can use the Spare-powered SW Prime app to book rides to pre-determined stops.
“We’re excited to be the first to bring this innovative transit solution to the Twin Cities,” said Erik Hansen, CEO of SouthWest Transit. “By expanding on our wildly popular SW Prime microtransit service, we will stay on the cutting edge and ensure that we can provide a premium transit service for years to come.”
May Mobility will deploy five wheelchair-accessible AVs equipped with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant ramps.
“Our autonomous driving technology has proven its ability to scale well across diverse circumstances and even navigate under the state’s harsh winter climates,” said Manik Dhar, chief commercial officer for May Mobility. “Our experience in deploying safe and equitable autonomous rides will enhance the city’s public transportation system and connect even more people to essential destinations both near and far.”
Community engagement and safety
SouthWest Transit and May Mobility will hold community events in the coming months to educate future riders about autonomous vehicles and the new service.
The public can see one of these vehicles up close at SouthWest Station, 13500 Technology Drive, during SouthWest Transit’s shuttle service to the Minnesota State Fair at the end of August.
Hanson stated in an email that the current service will be available only in Eden Prairie. SouthWest Transit serves Eden Prairie, Chanhassen, Chaska, Victoria, and Carver, offering fixed-route transportation, microtransit, and shuttle services.
“After evaluating the entire SouthWest Transit service area, we determined that the area in Eden Prairie around SouthWest Station would be the best location to start,” Hanson said. “We will be evaluating the program and will determine within the first three years how and where we would roll it out to other communities.”
When asked about the safety of AVs, Hanson affirmed, “Yes, we are absolutely sure it is safe.”
Hanson explained that they recognize people will have safety concerns. “That’s why it’s important for folks to know that there will be operators in the vehicles who can take control if need be,” he said. “We intend to go fully autonomous later in the three-year contract, and we will be evaluating safety before we do that.”
He said SouthWest Transit officials have had conversations on the service with Eden Prairie staff, the mayor, and the council, and police and other staff will be part of the continuing community outreach efforts.
May Mobility’s safety measures
A May Mobility spokesman says the company employs a rigorous testing and validation process to ensure the reliability of its autonomous systems.
“Our internal safety counsel tests all new releases before they go out, both through simulation and real-world testing and validation,” stated Karsten Kutterer, senior communications manager for May Mobility, in an email.
Kutterer said the company’s Multi-Policy Decision-Making (MPDM) technology analyzes thousands of scenarios every second to ensure safe and efficient travel, proven in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, since 2022.
Before launching new services, he said May Mobility engages with communities to educate them about what to expect and how the AVs work.
When asked if May Mobility has experienced any accidents with the AVs, Kutterer said, “Yes, this is a result of the extensive testing required to safely bring this technology to market, and we believe our safety record reflects favorably on the company. We comply with all relevant reporting and regulatory requirements and are committed to safe operations by prioritizing safety, comfort and autonomy – in that order.”
While all services are autonomous, Kutterer said a safety operator will assist riders and monitor vehicle operations.
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