Detroit Expands “Accessibili-D” Autonomous Shuttle Routes Following Successful Initial Deployment for Seniors and Residents with Disabilities

• The Accessibili-D program, in collaboration with May Mobility and the Michigan Mobility Collaborative, expands free autonomous shuttle services to reach more neighborhoods, enhancing mobility for Detroit’s seniors and residents with disabilities.
• This expansion builds on a successful pilot with 4.9/5-star rider satisfaction and average wait times at 10 minutes, offering reliable access to essential services, everyday needs, and medical care at no cost.
• Backed by a $7.5 million U.S. Department of Transportation grant, the pilot program is designed as a model for nationwide deployment, demonstrating Detroit’s commitment to accessible, inclusive transportation.
• Advanced AV technology provides safe, efficient travel with on-board safety operators, enabling Detroiters to navigate the city comfortably and independently.

The City of Detroit is excited to announce the expansion of the service route of the Accessibili-D AV shuttle pilot program, which launched in June 2024 to provide free, accessible transportation to Detroit residents over the age of 62 and those with disabilities. The recent expansions in August and October 2024 enhance convenience and provide access to high-demand locations identified through community feedback. This expansion is ready for use and comes on the heels of a successful pilot phase that recorded a 4.9 out of 5-star review for rider satisfaction, average wait times at 10 minutes, and a perfect safety record. There will be a safety operator present at all times to assist riders with onboarding and offboarding, as well as address any issues that arise.

Additionally, the City is launching an Ambassador program to augment community engagement and participant recruitment.  

By collaborating with the Michigan Mobility Collaborative (MMC) and securing a $7.5 million U.S. Department of Transportation grant, the City launched this autonomous vehicle (AV) service to ensure residents have access to vital destinations like medical appointments, grocery stores, and social gatherings.

“This program is making a real difference for Detroiters who need it most,” said Mayor Mike Duggan. “By expanding Accessibili-D, we’re giving seniors and residents with disabilities more reliable, accessible transportation and showing how innovation can improve lives.”

“This program and its success have been a game changer for Detroit,” said Tim Slusser, Chief of the City of Detroit’s Office of Mobility Innovation. “In a community with many retired autoworkers, we’re serving seniors who contributed significantly to the automotive industry that powered America’s economy. Now we’re building a system that helps give them access to the transportation they need using the vehicles of the 21st century. We hope other cities and communities across the nation can draw from our experience.”

Detroit’s approach stands out from similar programs in other cities by offering an extended route length and reduced wait times, providing expanded coverage and increased convenience. Additionally, the program uniquely prioritizes older residents and people with disabilities, aiming to address Detroit's mobility gap and serve disadvantaged communities that are often underserved by traditional transit options.

The initial phase of the program, managed by Deloitte and supported by data integration from the University of Michigan, saw a high rate of rider satisfaction and efficiency. Over 86% of users became repeat riders, and nearly 90% of surveyed participants praised the service for timely pick-ups and short wait times averaging . A playbook is being created for the U.S. Department of Transportation, which can serve as a blueprint for similar AV programs across the United States.

“We’re thrilled with the positive rider feedback because it shows this transformative project is making a real impact for the residents of Detroit,” said Jeff Hood, principal, Deloitte Consulting LLP, and Deloitte’s autonomous vehicle leader. “The data enables us to show seniors, those living with disabilities, and their loved ones that the program is safe, dependable, and easy to navigate.”

"I signed up because I needed more accessible options to get where I wanted to go," said Sheila, a Detroit resident and participant.

Service Route and Expanded Access

Operating throughout an 11-square-mile area across neighborhoods in southeast Detroit, the Accessibili-D shuttle will add more stops and vehicles to its original 68-stop route.  These expansion plans, which rolled out in August and October 2024, provide greater convenience and access to high-demand locations identified through community feedback and engagement effort. For a full list of stops along the route, visit detroitmi.gov/Accessibili-D.

Expanded Accessibili-D Vehicle Service Area
 

Roll out of Ambassador Program for Community Outreach

The Ambassador Program for Detroit's Accessibili-D autonomous shuttle initiative aims to bridge technology literacy gaps and streamline community engagement. Launched in late October 2024, it partners with the Wayne State University Department of Urban Studies, involving three student ambassadors. These ambassadors assist residents by providing hands-on app training, conducting outreach through tabling at apartment complexes and events, making follow-up calls, and riding along upon request. Training and resources, developed by University of Michigan and Detroit’s Office of Mobility Innovation, include FAQs, phone scripts, and interactive sessions. With a focus on promoting adoption and enhancing service accessibility, the program fosters an inclusive transportation culture while leveraging the city's pioneering of autonomous vehicle technology.

Program Benefits and Technology

Each shuttle, provided by May Mobility, uses advanced MPDM technology for safe navigation and is staffed with trained operators to assist passengers.

“We’ve received lots of great feedback from our riders and these expansions will continue to improve their access to essential locations around Detroit,” said Kathy Winter, Chief Operating Officer at May Mobility. “We’re proud to do our part to bring a safe, reliable and accessible transportation solution to the people who need it most.”

Accessibili-D is supported by grant funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation Autonomous Driving System Demonstration Grant and philanthropic partners, including the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Delta Dental Foundation, and Knight Foundation. Thanks to a Delta Dental Foundation grant, specialized shuttle services now include transportation to dental clinics like My Community Dental Centers (MCDC) in Detroit, addressing critical healthcare needs. Knight Foundation’s generous investment has further enhanced shuttle services and community outreach, advancing equitable mobility for Detroit residents.

Detroit residents interested in using the service must submit an Expression of Interest form and follow enrollment instructions once contacted. After enrolling, rides can be scheduled in advance or on-demand via the Accessibili-D mobile app, the program website, or by calling the May Mobility Detroit Office at (734) 209-3408. The Accessibili-D app is available for download on the Apple Store and Google Play.

For more information on signing up for the Accessibili-D shuttle service, or to track updates on route expansions, visit detroitmi.gov/Accessibili-D or contact Dillon Funkhouser at the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute at [email protected].

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About the City of Detroit's Office of Mobility Innovation (OMI):

The Office of Mobility Innovation (OMI) exists to help the City of Detroit navigate the rapidly changing transportation and mobility industries. Transportation and mobility are essential for both people and businesses and Detroit’s automotive heritage provides an unparalleled opportunity to work with industry to innovate and define their future.

OMI leads mobility advancement efforts on behalf of the City of Detroit and collaborates with industry, academia, philanthropy, and local, state and federal government. By centering residents in every step of the process, OMI is focused on leveraging mobility as a pathway to opportunity in Detroit.

For additional information about OMI, please visit detroitmi.gov/government/mayors-office/office-mobility-innovation or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Youtube and Instagram

About May Mobility

May Mobility develops autonomous vehicle (AV) technology and deploys fleets of vehicles to municipal and business customers. Its Multi-Policy Decision Making (MPDM) system is at the core of its mission to help make cities safer, greener and more accessible. MPDM's proven track record has delivered more than 350,000 autonomy-enabled rides to date in public transit applications across the U.S. and Japan. With key strategic partnerships including some of the world's most innovative automotive and transportation companies, such as Toyota Motor Corporation and NTT, May Mobility aims to achieve the highest standard in rider safety, sustainability and transportation equity. For more information, visit www.maymobility.com.

About Delta Dental Foundation

The Delta Dental Foundation is a nonprofit, charitable organization established in 1980, which serves as the philanthropic arm of Delta Dental of Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and North Carolina. DDF is dedicated to developing and enhancing partnerships and programs to improve oral and overall health and health equity. For more information, visit www.deltadental.foundation.

About the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation

The Knight Foundation is a national organization dedicated to fostering informed and engaged communities, which it believes are essential for a healthy democracy. Founded by John S. and James L. Knight, the foundation supports innovative approaches to journalism, the arts, and the success of cities where the Knight brothers once published newspapers. With a commitment to leveraging the power of digital transformation and partnerships, the Knight Foundation invests in projects that promote equitable access to information and empower communities to shape their futures. Learn more at kf.org and follow @knightfdn on social media.

About Deloitte

Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, a UK private company limited by guarantee (“DTTL”), its network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) does not provide services to clients. In the United States, Deloitte refers to one or more of the US member firms of DTTL, their related entities that operate using the “Deloitte” name in the United States and their respective affiliates. Certain services may not be available to attest clients under the rules and regulations of public accounting. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more about our global network of member firms.