DETROIT -

An Ann Arbor, Mich.- based startup building self-driving vehicles launched a new partnership in the heart of downtown Detroit to start transporting passengers in electric-powered shuttles among other cars, cyclists and pedestrians Wednesday.

Following a successful pilot run of its electric self-driving vehicles on streets of the Motor City, May Mobility announced Tuesday that it has partnered with real estate firm Bedrock to facilitate the first commercial deployment of independent autonomous vehicles in any large U.S. urban area.

As part of the partnership, May Mobility will supply a fleet of self-driving shuttles that will transport Quicken Loans and its family of companies’ nearly 18,000 employees to and from their offices or parking sites, as well as eventually provide transportation to other downtown Detroit destinations and events, according to the company.

“Our partnership with Bedrock shows that our self-driving vehicles can help address today's most difficult transportation problems," said Edwin Olson, May Mobility chief executive officer and co-founder said in a news release. “Our technology allows us to provide fully-managed transportation services that outperform traditional services on wait time, rider satisfaction and other metrics. By improving the lives of Bedrock's employees and tenants, we move closer to our vision that everyone uses May Mobility every day.”

On a route that spans about 1 mile in distance, Quicken Loans employees can now use May Mobility vehicles to travel from the Bricktown parking garage to the One Campus Martius and First National buildings.

“Detroit is at the forefront of technology and innovation, which is why it makes perfect sense for the first fully-autonomous shuttle route to launch in our city,” said Jay Farner, Quicken Loans CEO. 

Additionally, May Mobility has opened a Detroit office at 601 Franklin in Detroit in response to its recent expansion.

Not only will the location offer full-time operational support for the Bedrock Bricktown route, but May Mobility will also store and charge its shuttles there, according to Bedrock.

“As a company dedicated to advancing mobility for a more livable, walkable and accessible community, Michigan-grown May Mobility made the ideal partner to further this mission,” said Bedrock chief executive officer Jim Ketai. “These autonomous vehicles will allow us to lead the nation in providing memorable and efficient transportation methods for our residential, office and retail tenants.”

May Mobility can help municipalities, developers and business customers solve various parking, traffic and land management issues, according to Bedrock. May Mobility collects data from vehicles, riders, business and community partners to further expand services to more roads and highways.

In addition to the maps and tests, Bedrock said that May Mobility can provide a unique approach to autonomous transportation by adding environmental sensors to its routes.

“As a Michigan-based company with offices in Detroit and Ann Arbor, we are proud that our shuttles are solving transportation problems faced by everyday workers," added Olson. "Bedrock and May Mobility share a vision for a new era in Detroit, where transportation is safe, convenient, and accessible.

“Self-driving technology will transform cities, improving the lives of everyday people, driving commerce, and helping to create new green spaces by reducing the need for parking. Much of the necessary technology was developed here in Michigan, and at May Mobility, we've been able to turn it into a system that will start creating a positive impact today. It is fitting that we begin in our own backyard, the Motor City.”