Peoria to test 2nd driverless shuttle service RoboRide Medical

Oct 22, 2021, 4:05 AM | Updated: 8:51 am

(Twitter photo/Cathy Carlat)

KTAR.com

PHOENIX — Peoria will test a driverless shuttle service called RoboRide Medical, which will be open to the public in mid-November.

The free, electric shuttle will be available in the health care district near Plaza Del Rio Boulevard, according to a press release.

“Peoria is a modern, thriving community embracing the evolution of transit,” Mayor Cathy Carlat said in a statement.

“As we evaluate future needs and opportunities, we are thrilled to collaborate with industry leaders and regional groups to identify how fully-electric and autonomous vehicles can improve mobility in our community.”

Peoria is partnering with the Maricopa Association of Governments and Beep Inc. to make this happen, according to the release.

This is the second time the West Valley city has tested out driverless transportation.

The first was a 60-day program in 2020, which served a small route in the P83 Entertainment District. It received positive feedback, according to the release.

Plaza Del Rio has more than 100 medical facilities and 500 senior living residences.

This program is set up to assist residents to their destination and study the effectiveness of autonomous transportation.

“This pilot project will help MAG gain insight into how autonomous vehicle technology can help improve the safety and efficiency of the transportation system in our region,” Vladimir Livshits, MAG director of Transportation Technologies and Services, said in a statement.

“We look forward to reviewing the data and hearing feedback from residents who ride the RoboRide Medical shuttle.”

The vehicle has no steering wheel or pedals. It runs on a preprogrammed route and will always have an attendant, the public works department said in the announcement.

The shuttle holds eight passengers and will run from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

The stops include: