Introduction
In a significant development in the field of autonomous transportation, the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) and May Mobility, a leading autonomous driving technology company, have launched Presto, a shared autonomous vehicle service for the general public in Martinez, California, and Contra Costa Regional Medical Center (County Hospital) patients.
Presto: A Game-Changer in Autonomous Transportation
Presto is a free service that aims to improve access to healthcare in the area by providing another reliable and convenient mode of transportation. The service will run Monday through Friday, with County Hospital patients able to book rides from 2pm to 6pm, and the general public from 6pm to 10pm.
Patients can book rides to or from the County Hospital and to a preferred pharmacy from a set list of locations by calling (925) 995-3797 or by arranging travel with a hospital representative. From 6pm to 10pm, the service will open to all residents in the area, who can book rides to a list of designated stops within the service zone using the May Mobility app or by calling the same number.
The service zone includes stops at the County Hospital healthcare facilities, local pharmacies, residential areas, shopping districts, and downtown Martinez, making it a convenient option for residents to get around the city.
Autonomous Vehicles and Safety
May Mobility has equipped a fleet of seven Toyota Sienna Autono-MaaS vehicles with its patented Multi-Policy Decision Making (MPDM) AD technology. MPDM uses in-situ AI to learn in real-time, imagining thousands of “what-if” scenarios every second, and then commits to the safest and most comfortable maneuvers within milliseconds.
Each shared AV seats five passengers and will have an attendant on board to answer questions and assist with passenger entry and exit if needed. Three of the AVs are also wheelchair accessible, with an ADA-compliant wheelchair ramp allowing entry and exit via the rear of the vehicle.
Partnership with County Connection
CCTA and May Mobility have partnered with County Connection, which provides fixed-route and paratransit bus service for communities in Central Contra Costa County. County Connection has partnered with its paratransit contractor to provide union drivers to serve as safety stewards in each Martinez ADS vehicle, underscoring its commitment to innovative transportation deployments ensuring everyone has the freedom to travel safely and independently.
Conclusion
The Presto shared autonomous vehicle service marks a significant milestone in the development of autonomous transportation, providing a convenient and reliable mode of transportation for residents in Martinez, California. With its patented MPDM technology and wheelchair-accessible vehicles, Presto is redefining how communities connect and move.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is Presto?
Presto is a shared autonomous vehicle service launched by the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) and May Mobility, a leading autonomous driving technology company, to provide a convenient and reliable mode of transportation for residents in Martinez, California, and Contra Costa Regional Medical Center (County Hospital) patients.
Q2: How can patients book rides?
Patients can book rides to or from the County Hospital and to a preferred pharmacy from a set list of locations by calling (925) 995-3797 or by arranging travel with a hospital representative.
Q3: Is the service wheelchair accessible?
Yes, three of the autonomous vehicles are wheelchair accessible, with an ADA-compliant wheelchair ramp allowing entry and exit via the rear of the vehicle.
Q4: Can anyone use the service?
No, the service is limited to County Hospital patients from 2pm to 6pm, and open to the general public from 6pm to 10pm.
Q5: Is the service free?
Yes, the Presto shared autonomous vehicle service is free for all users.
