Toyota Starts Free Autonomous Shuttle in Indianapolis

The free service, a part of TMF’s Together in Motion Indiana, began June 1.

The Toyota Mobility Foundation (TMF), Energy Systems Network (ESN) and the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) with May Mobility autonomous vehicle (AV) technology and shuttle operations, have launched a free autonomous shuttle service in Central Indiana. 

To ensure riders’ health and safety, masks are currently required for all passengers and fleet attendants. Shuttles will carry only one household per ride, and all shuttles are equipped with partitions and UVC disinfectant lights that will clean the shuttle interior between rides.

The free service, a part of TMF’s Together in Motion Indiana, began June 1. It serves downtown Indianapolis and Purdue University Indianapolis communities. Together in Motion is an initiative bringing participants together “to test the interoperability of mobility innovations and facilitate the efficient movement of people and goods.” The autonomous shuttle service supports the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Sustainable Cities and Communities goal (No. 11) and Toyota’s commitment to providing Mobility for All.

The Together in Motion AV shuttle service runs through 19 November 2021 and operates Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The service is available to the public and has five Lexus RX 450h vehicles and one wheelchair-accessible Polaris GEM shuttle equipped with May Mobility’s autonomous technology.

There are nine designated stops in Indianapolis, each with a sign providing route information and a scannable QR code leading to the Together in Motion Indiana website. Through the QR code, riders can learn more about May Mobility technology and the shuttle route. Shuttles arrive in 10- to 15-minute intervals on a rotating loop. The route was designed to increase mobility options by providing a connection from the Vermont Station – along IndyGo’s Red Line – to areas west of downtown. The route also circles the IU Health University Hospital and the Riley Hospital for Children campuses. Riders can plan their trips on Google Maps and see live updates of a shuttle’s location.