6/13/2023 11:00:00 AM
The Department of Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation was awarded a $9.3 million federal Advanced Transportation Technology and Innovation Program (ATTAIN) grant to expand and extend the goMARTI pilot deployment in Grand Rapids, Minnesota.
goMARTI (Minnesota’s Autonomous Rural Transit Initiative) launched operations in September 2022 and consists of five self-driving vehicles, three of which have ADA-compliant wheelchair ramps. The vehicles provide free, on-demand transportation to approximately 70 pick-up and drop-off points in a 16.5 square mile area. The operations are provided by leading autonomous vehicle (AV) technology provider May Mobility and TransitTech software provider Via with rides booked using an on-demand smartphone application or the local call center 211. The demonstration project is in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) and local partner funding. The goals of the project are to increase accessibility and transportation options for residents and visitors of the Grand Rapids area, advance and inform the AV technology in rural and winter conditions, foster community engagement and provide economic and workforce development opportunities.
