May Mobility, a leader in autonomous vehicle (AV) technology, has announced its collaboration with the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) to enhance healthcare access in Martinez, California. The goal of this partnership is to provide on-demand transportation services to healthcare staff, patients, their families, and the surrounding community, ultimately reducing the number of medical appointment cancellations and absences due to limited transportation options.
Under this agreement, May Mobility will integrate its AV technology into CCTA’s existing transportation network, expanding the authority’s autonomous fleet. The fleet will consist of seven vehicles, including three wheelchair-accessible models equipped with ADA-compliant wheelchair ramps and securement systems. Via, a leading TransitTech company, will power this autonomous microtransit service. Riders can book rides through the May Mobility app or by calling a dedicated phone number, utilizing Via’s AI-based booking and routing algorithms to optimize shared trips.
Manik Dhar, the Chief Commercial Officer for May Mobility, expressed enthusiasm for collaborating with CCTA and emphasized the significance of autonomous vehicles in filling transportation gaps. May Mobility has already obtained the necessary testing permit from the California Department of Motor Vehicles, allowing supervised AV testing operations. The deployment aims to include stops at medical facilities and points of interest to improve community connectivity and quality of life.
CCTA’s Executive Director, Timothy Haile, praised May Mobility’s experience in providing accessible microtransit services, emphasizing the importance of reliable and flexible transit in meeting the healthcare needs of the community. Meghan Grela, the Autonomous Lead at Via, highlighted the value of AVs in creating efficient and flexible public transportation networks.
By early 2024, May Mobility plans to have active operations in California, Michigan, Minnesota, Texas, and Arizona, contributing to safer, greener, and more accessible cities.
Sources:
– May Mobility: www.maymobility.com
– Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA): ccta.net
