Grand Rapids Autonomous Vehicle Initiative (AVGR)

The Grand Rapids Autonomous Vehicle Initiative (AVGR) brought 4 electric shuttle to downtown streets for a year-long pilot. The shuttles are self-driving, however they always had an attendant when they were on the streets.

The May Mobility shuttles follows the existing DASH West Route, this route connects both sides of the river.

The basic purpose here is to mix Autonomous vehicles with other traffic in urban environment and check it they could provide better mobility to local community.

• Year-long pilot beginning July 2019, with potential for additional year extension
• 4 self-driving vehicles on route
• 20 passenger stops on DASH West route
• Vehicles negotiate 30 traffic lights on route
• Vehicles make 12 turns, with 3 left turns
• DASH West route provides connectivity to 10 parking facilities
• Wheelchair accessible vehicle service launched in January 2020

Challenges arise during heavy precipitation and traffic, and around vehicles that make quick lane changes or difficult turning movements like unprotected left turns and right turns at red lights.