Autonomous driving technology developer Motional and transit system developer Via have launched a new robotaxi service, which will provide free self-driving rides to passengers in downtown Las Vegas, Nevada. The partnership marks the first step in Motional and Via’s long-term vision to introduce networks of on-demand and shared robotaxis at scale in cities.
The service combines Via’s intelligent booking, routing and software application technology with Motional’s self-driving robotaxis, fleet management and in-vehicle passenger experience. Motional’s robotaxis are now available on the Via app for passengers in downtown Las Vegas, and will connect riders with business hubs, residential buildings, green spaces, government buildings, public transit stations and more.
Motional and Via announced a partnership in 2020 created to connect riders with robotaxis at scale, in an attempt to position AVs to reach their full potential as part of large-scale transit networks. Motional and Via see autonomous vehicles as part of a connected transportation ecosystem, and believe this type of integration is critical to sustainable, inclusive mobility.
“At Via, we believe on-demand autonomous vehicles can play a huge role in expanding access to efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective transportation in our cities,” said Cariann Chan, SVP of business at Via. “We are proud that our partnership with Motional will achieve this goal through connecting Las Vegas riders with essential destinations and transit hubs.”
“Motional is a leader in operating commercial robotaxi services and we’re excited to continue that legacy with Via,” added Abe Ghabra, COO at Motional. “Our partnership offers a new channel for members of the public to experience safe and convenient self-driving rides, with a focus on effectively integrating Motional’s robotaxis with existing transit networks. We look forward to learning from this service and growing our collaboration with Via.”
