By Conner Tighe
In downtown Indy, locals can now experience the future firsthand with the debut of the self-driving shuttles. May Mobility and Toyota Mobility Foundation have partnered together to make commuting even easier in the busy intersections of Indy’s downtown lifestyle. The shuttles were created in mind for IUPUI students, but anyone is free to experience the shuttle.
After climbing inside, passengers are required to wear a seatbelt and face mask. A driver will be behind the wheel to manually take over if needed. Sensors built into the car detects traffic stops and pedestrians. Fender-benders have been reported, although rarely, as the technology is not perfected as of yet. Indy is the fourth city worldwide to introduce the shuttle technology after Grand Rapids, Arlington Suburbs of Dallas, and Higashihiroshima, Japan.
Self-driving shuttles are to come to Fishers in November. Shuttles will run from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. You can access the stop locations here, which are soon to be added to Google Maps.
Sources: May Mobility, Toyota Mobility Foundation, Indianapolis Monthly, WIBC
Featured Image: WTHR