MOIA America, the autonomous mobility technology company within the Volkswagen Group, and Beep have announced a strategic partnership to introduce autonomous mobility for public transit operators across multiple US markets over the next decade, beginning in Orlando.
MOIA America will provide the MOIA brand’s turnkey autonomous mobility solution, which includes purpose-built, autonomous-ready ID. Buzz vehicles equipped with the self-driving system developed by Mobileye, a Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) software platform, as well as operator training and enablement. The integrated solution helps autonomous vehicle fleet operators deploy and manage an autonomous driving ecosystem.
“MOIA America’s expansion into the Orlando region reflects the growing momentum of its autonomous mobility strategy in the US,” said Sascha Meyer, chief commercial officer of Volkswagen Autonomous Mobility. “Through the MOIA brand, we are enabling autonomous mobility for a growing number of partners worldwide with a turnkey solution that combines the vehicle, MaaS technology and operational expertise. MOIA America’s strategic partnership with Beep in the US marks an important step in supporting microtransit operators and advancing driverless mobility in public transit.”
Over the next decade, MOIA America and Beep plan to scale a fleet of up to 5,000 autonomous ID. Buzz vehicles.
“Beep’s strategic partnership with MOIA America unites the core capabilities needed to scale autonomous mobility – purpose-built production vehicles, proven software and trusted operations,” added Kevin Reid, CEO and board chair of Beep. “This collaboration will help redefine microtransit, one of the fastest growing transportation segments, through cost-efficient connectivity that leverages AI and autonomous technology to unlock a future where opportunity and access can reach every corner of a community. By delivering flexible, meaningful mobility now, efficient microtransit becomes the launchpad for a transformative era of autonomous shared transportation that expands opportunity, drives public transportation ridership and redefines how communities move.”
Validation testing of a fleet of autonomous Volkswagen ID. Buzz vehicles has started in the community of Lake Nona with planned rides expected to be offered later this year. During the initial testing and launch phases, the vehicles will operate with onboard human operators to supervise validation of the vehicle technology.
“Orlando as our next market represents an important step as we work to introduce MOIA America’s autonomous mobility technology through our partners into more US communities,” concluded Paul DeLong, president of commercialization of MOIA America. “Our technology enables Beep to deploy autonomous ride services at scale, designed to integrate into emerging microtransit transportation networks. This approach provides opportunities for communities to experience shared transportation technology as part of everyday mobility.”
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