An autonomous microtransit service is being introduced in Eden Prairie, Minnesota through a partnership with AV technology company May Mobility and SouthWest Transit, a public transportation service in Minnesota. The existing microtransit service, known as SouthWest Prime, will be enhanced as part of the three-year contract.
May Mobility’s AVs are scheduled to be integrated into SouthWest Transit’s transportation ecosystem this autumn, providing the public with an additional on-demand option for transportation. The AVs will connect the public to residential, employment and shopping districts while also providing first- and last-mile transportation to key mobility hubs in Eden Prairie.
Riders will be able to travel to and from predetermined stops by using their current Prime mobile app, powered by Spare, a specialist in on-demand transit software. The service will include an additional Southwest light rail stop, which connects downtown Minneapolis, downtown Saint Paul and destinations in between.
“We’re excited to be the first to bring this innovative transit solution to the Twin Cities. By expanding on our wildly popular SouthWest Prime microtransit service, we will stay on the cutting edge and ensure that we can provide a premium transit service for years to come,” said Erik Hansen, CEO of SouthWest Transit.
May Mobility will also deploy five wheelchair-accessible AVs that feature an ADA-compliant wheelchair ramp and securement system. “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.”
The companies plan to engage with the community in the upcoming months to educate future riders about AVs and the logistics of the new service. Residents of Eden Prairie will have the opportunity to see one of the vehicles up close at SouthWest Station during SouthWest Transit’s public shuttle service to the Minnesota State Fair at the end of August.