GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - Grand Rapids is driving into the future and there is no one behind the wheel.
Officials from nine Michigan companies, the City of Grand Rapids and the State of Michigan, kicked off the start of Autonomous Vehicles in Grand Rapids (AVGR) on Thursday morning at the David D. Hunting YMCA.
AVGR will test the city’s readiness to operate autonomous cars in the downtown area. During the announcement, AVGR also unveiled a preview of the vehicles and the route the vehicles will drive on.
The cars can fit up to six passengers, including a human "fleet attendant" and the top speed is 25 miles-per-hour. Cars will operate Tuesdays thru Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Riding in a vehicle is free and there are 20 passenger stops on the 3.2 mile loop. The autonomous vehicle program will begin operation to the public on Friday, July 26.
May Mobility, of Ann Arbor, is the company that will provide the autonomous vehicles and technology. The CEO of May Mobility said the cars are safe and operate just like any other car.
Grand Rapids Mayor, Rosalynn Bliss, was also in attendance Thursday and she spoke about the benefits the program will have on the local community downtown.
For more information the city of Grand Rapids posted the full press conference on their Facebook page.
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