There are three companies at play in here: Lyft, May Mobility, and Zook. You know Lyft as the ridesharing company that operates mainly in the United States, connecting people who need rides with nearby drivers via their app.
Lyft also offers other shared mobility options, including electric bikes and scooters in certain areas. Users order rides and select from various options based on their needs and budget, while drivers have the flexibility to set their own hours and earn money on their own terms.
Meanwhile, May Mobility is a corporation that aims to make transit more sustainable, safer, accessible, and equitable by building autonomous vehicle technology that works in the real world.
Lastly, there’s Zoox, “a purpose-built autonomous vehicle designed for riders, not drivers. Learn more about the Zoox robotaxi and the future of ride-hailing.”
Here’s the news. May Mobility has started operating a robotaxi pilot program in Atlanta with Lyft as its partner. They will use modified hybrid-electric Toyota Sienna minivans.
There will be human drivers on board, prepared to take the steering wheel when needed, but since this is a program on robotaxis, they are expected to intervene less frequently in the future. This standby driver will only help acclimate riders to autonomous driving technology.
This launch in Atlanta is the first-ever autonomous vehicle deployment for Lyft and May Mobility. Vehicles from May Mobility will operate during limited times in the Midtown area of Atlanta, which includes Virginia Highlands, Old Fourth Ward, and Inman Park. Service hours are to expand in the coming months, May Mobility stated.
“This isn’t just another tech [rollout, but it’s a thoughtful introduction] to autonomous transportation that prioritizes rider comfort and community trust, taking a measured approach that puts people first,” Lyft told Ridesharing Forum.
Meanwhile, in Las Vegas, Zoox by Amazon announced the start of its self-driving ridesharing services using its purpose-built robotaxis, a vehicle that doesn’t have the usual driver controls like a steering wheel.
These rides by Zoox in Las Vegas are free for now, until the company receives regulatory approval to offer paid services. It also stated that it will begin the similar services next in San Francisco, and interested riders could sign up for the waitlist.
Furthermore, various cities in the United States could expect to see more robotaxis on their streets as Waymo, Uber, Lyft, Zoox, and May Mobility expand their footprints.
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