Dive Brief:
- May Mobility began operating a robotaxi pilot program today in Atlanta in partnership with Lyft, using modified hybrid-electric Toyota Sienna minivans, the company announced today.
- Human drivers will be on board, prepared to take the wheel as needed, but are expected to intervene less frequently in the future. The standby driver will “help acclimate riders to autonomous driving technology,” May Mobility said in a news release.
- In Las Vegas, Amazon’s Zoox announced the start of self-driving ride-hail service using its purpose-built robotaxi, a vehicle that doesn’t have typical driver controls like a steering wheel.
Dive Insight:
The Atlanta launch marks the first autonomous vehicle deployment for May Mobility and Lyft. “This isn't just another tech rollout — it's a thoughtful introduction to autonomous transportation that prioritizes rider comfort and community trust, taking a measured approach that puts people first,” Lyft said in a news release.
May Mobility vehicles will operate during limited times in Atlanta’s Midtown area, which includes Virginia Highlands, Old Fourth Ward and Inman Park. Service hours will expand in coming months, according to May Mobility.
The partners emphasized what Lyft Executive Vice President Jeremy Bird called a “human-centered approach” to AVs. “By prioritizing safety, transparency, and human experience, Lyft and May Mobility are showing that the path to autonomous transportation doesn't require sacrificing the values that make great customer service,” Lyft said in a news release.
May Mobility began a public, on-demand microtransit service last year in Peachtree Corners, Georgia, with eight stops along Technology Parkway. “AVs are a real solution to the many mobility challenges people face today,” May Mobility CEO and founder Edwin Olson said in a statement.
May Mobility also plans to launch robotaxis in Arlington, Texas, in partnership with Uber later this year.
In Atlanta, May Mobility and Lyft follow Waymo and Uber’s robotaxi service that began in June. Amazon’s Zoox began testing in the city in May.
Zoox rides in Las Vegas are free for now, until the company gets regulatory approval to offer a paid service. Zoox said it plans to begin service next in San Francisco, and interested riders can join a waitlist now.
Cities across the U.S. can expect to see more robotaxis on their streets as Waymo, Uber, Lyft, Zoox and May Mobility expand their footprints. Tesla began testing this summer in Austin, Texas, and San Francisco.
