RIDOT Debuts 'Little Roady' Autonomous Shuttles

QUONSET, R.I. -- Department of Transit officials demonstrated Rhode Island's newest autonomous vehicles Wednesday afternoon ahead of a wider release in Providence this spring.

The autonomous "Little Roady" shuttles are being tested on low-volume roads at the Quonset Business Park, ahead of a Providence launch this spring. The vehicles are part of the Rhode Island Transportation Innovation Partnership (TRIP), a multi-agency effort launched by RIDOT in 2017.

"Quonset is pleased to host this innovative transportation pilot as a test site," said Steven King, managing director of the Quonset Development Corporation. "As home to many Rhode Island companies at the forefront of engineering and design, Quonset is excited to assist in the fielding of this cutting-edge technology to Rhode Island."

RIDOT says TRIP also has the goal of studying "autonomous mobility solutions, ridership, workforce impacts, environmental impacts and technology adoption."

The department says the autonomous vehicle pilot program will help to provide valuable insight into the benefits and drawbacks of integrating the new technology.

"This is a very exciting day as we kick-off testing of autonomous vehicles, putting Rhode Island on the map as a leader in this new high-tech field in transportation," Governor Gina Raimondo said. "And we'll do it in a careful and safe manner partnering with institutions of higher education to carefully study and evaluate the service and its integration on Rhode Island roads."

The Little Roady Shuttles are fully electric and carry up to five passengers. Each shuttle will have an attendant on board who can operate the vehicle if needed.

The shuttles are scheduled to operate on low-speed roads along the Woonasquatucket River from Olneyville to Providence Station, with 12 stops in between. Up to six vehicles will be on the road at the same time.

"Thanks to the Governor's RhodeWorks program, we've made great strides in rebuilding our transportation system," said RIDOT Director Peter Alviti. "At the same time, we're working on projects like the autonomous vehicle pilot project to make our transportation system better, and provide more mobility choices for our customer, the Rhode Island taxpayer."

Once testing is complete in Quonset, a similar pilot program will launch in Providence before full service begins. RIDOT says the Providence test will include testing of all sensors and safety features, as well as obstacle avoidance and operation in all weather conditions.

"This project gives us the opportunity to gain first-hand experience with this new technology and that information will be invaluable when we look ahead to the impact that autonomous vehicles will have on public transportation in the future," said Scott Avedisian, CEO of the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority. "Having some of our bus operators ride the shuttle routes is also going to allow them to share important feedback on the role of on-board personnel and passenger needs."

The shuttles were made by May Mobility, Inc. As part of the partnership, RIDOT will provide $800,000 to the first year of the shuttles' operation, comprised of $300,000 of federal research funds through the Federal Highway Administration and a $500,000 grant awarded by the R.I. Attorney General's Office as part of a settlement with Volkswagen. The public-private contract includes the option to expand the contract for another two years.

"Under Governor Raimondo and Director Alvitti's leadership, Rhode Island is leading the way with the Little Roady pilot program that will explore all aspects of autonomous vehicle technology in a responsible manner," said Congressman James Langevin. "I am proud to be a part of this exciting day, and I will continue to support RIDOT and secure federal resources for innovative transportation solutions for Rhode Island."

More information about the TRIP program can be found at www.ridot.net/TRIP.