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Transforming Public Transit in Grand Rapids with Autonomous On-Demand Microtransit
Technology Category
- Functional Applications - Fleet Management Systems (FMS)
- Robots - Autonomous Guided Vehicles (AGV)
Applicable Industries
- Automotive
- Electronics
Use Cases
- Autonomous Transport Systems
- Transportation Simulation
The Challenge
The city of Grand Rapids, Michigan, was facing a challenge with its public transit system. The existing system was based on a fixed route autonomous shuttle following the City’s Downtown Area Shuttle West Route. This system was restrictive as it only allowed passengers to travel to a fixed set and sequence of stops. The city was looking for a solution that would allow passengers to travel anywhere they wish at any time, providing a more flexible and convenient mode of transportation. The challenge was to transition from a fixed route system to an entirely on-demand service, while also integrating autonomous vehicle technology.
About The Customer
The customers of this service are the residents of Grand Rapids, Michigan, who need a flexible and convenient mode of public transportation. The service is particularly beneficial for those who live or work in the downtown area and the Westside neighborhoods. Many riders use the service to facilitate trips to other forms of transit at Amtrak’s Vernon J. Ehlers Station and Rapid Central Station, the city’s primary hub for bus travel. Other popular destinations include restaurants, shops, and offices throughout the city. The service is also accessible to wheelchair users, making it inclusive and accessible to all.
The Solution
In July 2021, the city of Grand Rapids launched an on-demand autonomous microtransit service, AVGR, in partnership with Via, May Mobility, and Gentex Corporation. The service was composed of five May Mobility vehicles, including one wheelchair-accessible vehicle. Passengers could book free trips across downtown Grand Rapids, Monday through Friday, from 7am to 7pm, using Via’s white-labeled rider app. Once a trip was booked, the app directed riders to a convenient nearby pickup point to meet their shared ride. Via’s platform powered the routing and fleet assignment. The service zone was expanded from 1 square mile to 4.2 square miles. AVGR vehicles were equipped with technology to enhance the customer experience, including Via’s in-vehicle screens for boarding confirmation and real-time trip information, and sensing pods for tracking lost objects, monitoring passenger safety, and maintaining vehicle cleanliness.
Operational Impact
Quantitative Benefit
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