SAE TOMORROW TODAY: Partnerships Bring AV Accessibility To Rural Areas
Myrna Peterson, Founder & Co-Chair, MobilityMania and Tammy Meehan Russell, President & Chief Catalyst, The PLUM Catalyst
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Abstract
Born out of call to "accessibility for all", the goMARTI initiative in Grand Rapids, MN, provides safe, wheelchair accessible mobility for residents, while also collecting valuable data to inform AV operation in rural, winter conditions. Covering nearly 17 square miles and including approximately 70 pickup and drop off points, goMARTI also offers features such as audio cues for passengers who are visually impaired. As the first ADA-compliant autonomous shuttle service, goMARTI is a testament to the ability of community members, businesses, government, and technology working together to develop an accessible transportation solution for those in need. To learn how this inspiring initiative became reality, we sat down with Myrna Peterson, Founder & Co-Chair of MobilityMania, and Tammy Meehan Russell, President & Chief Catalyst, The PLUM Catalyst. It's a powerful story that underscores the importance of community and technology coming together to improve quality of life.