Self-Driving Shuttles Hit The Streets Of Providence

PROVIDENCE, RI — Wednesday marks the first day of service for Providence's self-driving "little Roady" shuttles. Governor Gina Raimondo, Rhode Island Department of Transportation Director Peter Alviti and other state and local officials gathered on Tuesday for an official kickoff event.

The service is free during the first phase as the department studies the effectiveness of the autonomous shuttle program.

"It's always exciting when Rhode Island has an opportunity to lead the way in cutting-edge green technology," Governor Raimondo said. "This project will provide valuable data for states across the country as we move beyond conventional transit services to provide better, cleaner, and more accessible transportation for all."

Starting Wendesday, shuttles will run seven days a week from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., making 12 stops between Olneyville Square and the Providence train station, taking between 20 and 25 minutes. Average wait times are expected to be 10 minutes.

"The kickoff of this service and research project is another achievement for the new DOT," Alviti 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 $1.8 million project was funded by an $800,000 partnership with May Mobility, the company who built the shuttles, a $500,000 grant awarded by Attorney General Peter Neronha's office from a settlement with Volkswagen, as well as federal and state funds.

The fully-electric shuttles will have an attendant on board who can steer the shuttle if needed. Each shuttle is capable of carrying up to five passengers at a time.

The shuttles were tested in Quonset earlier this year as part of RIDOT's Rhode Island Transportation Innovation Partnership (TRIP) initiative, a multi-agency effort launched in 2017. Other partners include the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority, Rhode Island DMV and the Quonset Development Corporation, as well as several teams of researchers.

"By partnering with RIDOT, May Mobility is showing how our self-driving shuttles can be part of a sustainable future for communities," said Edwin Olson, CEO and founder of May Mobility. "Our environmentally-friendly shuttles aren't just fun-to-ride, they can increase access and convenience for a large number of people."

One shuttle did hit a snag on its first day, The Associated Press reported, when a Providence police officer pulled it over, saying he'd never seen one before.

"It looked like an oversized golf cart," Providence Police Chief Hugh Clements told the AP.

More information about the Little Roady project can be found on the program's website.

READ MORE:

• 'Little Roady' Autonomous Shuttles Coming To Providence
• RIDOT Debuts 'Little Roady' Autonomous Shuttles