Med City Movers traveled thousands of miles, gained invaluable data

(ABC 6 News) – Some Rochester drivers may be relieved to see the tail end of the Med City Mover, but according to Cory Johnson with the Minnesota Department of Transportation, the driverless shuttle program was a success.

The pilot program gave MnDOT a better understanding of how the shuttle’s technology works in cities like Rochester.

“It’s really good technology, very cautious technology. The sensors worked as designed, so good news, bad news on that. But yea, we expect to see more enhancements as the technology becomes more mature,” explained Johnson.

Throughout the year the Med City Mover was driving through downtown, about 3,000 people rode in it, and the two shuttles traveled about 6,000 miles.

Johnson said as of now, there aren’t any plans to bring the Med City Mover back to Rochester. But, MnDOT has already launched another program in White Bear Lake, and is planning on one in Grand Rapids.