May Mobility, an autonomous vehicle tech company, has launched the Detroit Automated Driving Systems pilot in partnership with the City of Detroit and the Michigan Mobility Collaborative. The “Accessibili-D” service aims to improve the quality of life for Detroiters who live with disabilities or are age 62 and older. The service will be available to select residents of Detroit starting Thursday, June 20, 2024, through 2026.

May Mobility will deploy three AVs, including two wheelchair-accessible vehicles, to help participants achieve greater access to healthcare facilities, shopping centers, jobs, and social and recreational activities. The free service will operate across 68 stops in 11 square miles of downtown Detroit Monday and Wednesday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on the weekend from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

Persons interested in riding the service must submit an Expression of Interest form and will be contacted to enroll. Once enrolled, they can book a ride through the Accessibili-D app, powered by Via, the global leader in TransitTech, or by calling (734) 209-3408.

“Many Detroiters have trouble getting around due to the costs of owning a car or mobility challenges arising from age or disabilities,” said Edwin Olson, CEO and co-founder of May Mobility. “We’re excited to show how autonomous technology can help in Detroit, where we will be launching our largest service area to date.”

Last July, the Detroit City Council unanimously approved a $2.4 million contract with May Mobility to provide the Accessibili-D service. Based on rider feedback, May Mobility and OMI plan to further expand the service zone over the coming months with additional stops and vehicles.

The Detroit Automated Driving Systems pilot is May Mobility’s 14th deployment to date. The company currently operates in Ann Arbor, Mich.; Grand Rapids, Minn.; Miami, Fla.; Arlington, Texas and Sun City, Ariz.