After delay, Peoria expands driverless testing with autonomous shuttle pilot
Partners with MAG, Beep to bring RoboRide Medical to the city
Posted 12/21/21
After a delay, the city of Peoria will be testing an autonomous shuttle, RoboRide Medical, as part of a four-month pilot program, according to a news release.
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The free, electric, driverless shuttle will open to the public 8 a.m., Jan. 5, in the healthcare district near Plaza Del Rio Boulevard and will run Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The city will host a launch celebration at Freedom Plaza Courtyard, located at 13714 N. Plaza Del Rio Blvd., 1-1:30 p.m., Jan. 4.
“Peoria is a modern, thriving community embracing the evolution of transit,” Mayor Cathy Carlat said. “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. I look forward to seeing Peoria residents and families joining us as we study this exciting and innovative concept.”
The city of Peoria partnered with the Maricopa Association of Governments and Beep, Inc., a global leader in multi-passenger, electronic, autonomous mobility solutions, to bring RoboRide Medical to Peoria.
This pilot program is the second iteration in a transportation technology study in the city of Peoria. The first project served a small route in the P83 Entertainment District. Although prematurely suspended due to the pandemic, Peoria received positive feedback and useful data regarding driverless technology.
With the help of Arizona State University, the city of Peoria and MAG will study the feasibility of autonomous vehicles in a robust healthcare district. This analysis will provide important data on high-tech mobility options and ridership patterns to better understand future transit opportunities and mobility solutions.
Plaza Del Rio is home to more than 100 medical facilities and more than 500 senior living residences. This service connects Peoria residents from their point-of-origin to their destination within the same service area.
“MAG is dedicated to exploring emerging technologies that provide transportation access and convenience to our region’s residents and improve quality of life,” said John Giles, Mesa mayor and MAG regional council chair. “The RoboRide Medical pilot project reflects the region’s commitment to transportation improvement and affirms that the region is open to new technologies that improve the efficiency, safety and operations of our transportation system. This type of forward thinking and planning is necessary to ensure regional competitiveness for the benefit of our residents.”
RoboRide Medical has no steering wheel or pedals and will operate using a pre-programmed, fixed route. No appointment, fee or pre-screening is necessary. Additionally, the shuttle can accommodate passengers with mobility needs, including riders with wheelchairs or scooters.
The shuttle will always have an attendant onboard to ensure riders have a pleasant and safe experience. Additionally, the Beep Command Center will remotely provide an additional layer of safety and support by communicating with the attendant at any time. RoboRide Medical holds about eight passengers and will operate at a maximum speed of 15 mph.
“We are thrilled to return to such an innovative community like the city of Peoria. Our partnership with the city and the Maricopa Association of Governments provides the perfect synergy to enable mobility for all communities and people,” Beep CEO Joe Moye said.
