Residents with Mobility, Visual Impairments Sought to Provide Feedback on City’s On-Demand, Self-Driving Shuttle Service June 16-18, 2021
By Office of Communication
Posted on June 11, 2021, June 11, 2021

Arlington RAPID

The Texas A&M Transportation Institute is working with the City of Arlington, May Mobility, Via Rideshare, and the University of Texas at Arlington on a research study gathering information on the use of self-driving vehicles by individuals with mobility or visual impairments.

The City of Arlington’s on-demand, self-driving public transportation shuttle service, Arlington RAPID, is currently operating in Downtown Arlington five days a week as a part of a pilot study. Researchers are seeking residents who interested in taking a short ride in an Arlington RAPID shuttle on June 16, 17, or 18 and answering a few questions on their experience. All study participants must be at least 18 years of age and meet at least one the following criteria:

• Use some type of mobility device (wheelchair, walker, or other mobility device)
• Have a visual impairment

How to Participate in the Study

1. You will schedule a ride with a TTI researcher (Brittney Gick, [email protected] or 817-462-0513) for Wednesday, June 16 and Thursday, June 17 between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., or Friday, June 18 from 9 a.m. to noon.

2. The trip will depart from the May Mobility Offices, 500 East Front St. in the Urban Union District in Downtown. Please arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled departure time.

3. Before your trip begins, a TTI researcher will explain the study and will ask you a few questions about any previous experience riding in a self-driving vehicle.

4. A May Mobility attendant will be in the vehicle during the trip and can take control of the vehicle if needed. A TTI researcher will accompany you to collect your feedback during the trip. You have the option of having a companion or helper ride with you. Your ride will consist of a 5-minute to 10-minute trip through the service area.

5. After the trip we will ask you a few questions about your experience riding in the RAPID vehicle, your general trip making behavior and possible improvements to sidewalks and streets that would improve your mobility.

6. After you have answered these final questions, your participation in the study is over. The entire experience will last approximately 30 minutes.

To schedule a ride in the RAPID shuttle, please contact Brittney Gick at [email protected] or 817-462-0513.

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