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About goMARTI

The goMARTI self-driving shuttle

Grand Rapids is a thriving community in northwest Minnesota, with a diverse population and growing economy. Additional transportation options are needed to ensure that the area is able to provide equitable transit and assist in everyone getting to where they live, work and play.

 

The 18-month goMARTI (Minnesota’s Autonomous Rural Transit Initiative) pilot will offer free, on-demand rides to Grand Rapids residents and visitors onboard self-driving shuttles. Although the vehicles are considered self-driving, there will be an autonomous vehicle operator onboard at all times who verifies the safe operation of the vehicle and aids passengers as needed.

 

The pilot consists of a fleet of five Toyota Sienna Autono-MaaS vehicles, with three of those being ADA-compliant and wheelchair accessible. Additional accessibility features include audio cues for passengers who are visually impaired and a partnership with the local First Call 211 to book rides by phone.

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goMARTI Project Goals

  • Advance and inform the operation of automated vehicle technology in rural, winter conditions

  • Engage and educate the local community by providing real-world automated vehicle experiences

  • Provide safe, accessible mobility for residents, especially those with transportation challenges

  • Understand what economic development this innovative pilot brings while attracting future talent and technology to the Iron Range

goMARTI in Numbers

  • LOCAL EMPLOYEES: 20

  • ON-DEMAND AREA: 17 SQUARE MILES

  • PICKUP/DROPOFF POINTS: APPROX 70

  • PROJECT PARTNERS: 13

  • goMARTI SHUTTLES: 5

  • WHEELCHAIR-ACCESSIBLE VEHICLES: 3

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