A pilot program will provide free rides to help rural and elderly residents reach more destinations.
An 18-month pilot program will bring five autonomous shuttles to Grand Rapids, Minnesota as part of the state’s Autonomous Rural Transit Initiative (goMARTI), reports Mary Balstad for LPTV.
“One major reason for bringing these shuttles northbound is to decrease isolation and increase mobility for those with disabilities,” Balstad explains. “Other considerations toward implementing these shuttles in the area include understanding the economic impact of self-driving shuttles in a rural community, engaging and educating the local population about autonomous vehicles, and advancing this technology through more difficult circumstances, such as through winter months.”
According to the article, “Passengers can access the shuttles by using the VIA app or through First Call 211. Three of the vehicles are also ADA compliant.” During the program, the shuttles will have operators present to ensure proper functioning and manually control the vehicles if needed.
FULL STORY: Self-Driving Shuttles to Share the Streets of Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids Tests First Rural Autonomous Shuttle
The town launched a five-vehicle fleet aimed at improving mobility for residents in the rural community.
Self-Driving Microtransit System Coming to Contra Costa County
The autonomous, four-person pods would travel on an enclosed track, but is it an effective model for public transit?
Website Streamlines Michigan Transit Information
The tool is designed to help people with disabilities navigate the state’s complex public transit network.
National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.
Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50
A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.
Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes
Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.
Test News Post 1
This is a summary
Test News Headline 46
Test for the image on the front page.
Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species
The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
EMC Planning Group, Inc.
Planetizen
Planetizen
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service