Fully Autonomous Toyotas Are Coming To Indianapolis

The idea of autonomous vehicles is not new, but getting them integrated into daily life is still a long way away. The tech is improving though; Volkswagen will soonrelease autonomous vansand GM says that mainstream use of the tech will happensooner than expected. There are stillhurdles to overcome, as the likes of Tesla know all too well, but Toyota is making the tech more accessible than ever by offering Indianapolis residents free shuttles with autonomous vehicles. This comes as part of a collaboration between the Toyota Mobility Foundation, Energy Systems Network, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, and May Mobility, the last of which is a leader in autonomous vehicle tech and shuttle operations.

The free service is to be offered in downtown Indianapolis and Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis communities "to test the interoperability of mobility innovations and facilitate the efficient movement of people and goods." The service also supports the United Nations' goal of making cities and communities more sustainable. For those looking to experience it, the shuttle service will be available from November 19th this year on weekdays from 7 AM to 7 PM. You won't be transported in a Prius either, as the service features fiveLexus RX 450hhybrid SUVs and one wheelchair-accessible Polaris GEM electric vehicle. But what about the route that these vehicles will take?