optimus ride delivers new york's first self-driving cars

new york’s first self-driving vehicle program is launching within the brooklyn navy yard, a 300-acre industrial park with more than 400 manufacturing businesses. from august 7, 2019, six autonomous cars will shuttle passengers between various points of the complex, including the NYC ferry stop at dock 72 and cumberland gate at flushing avenue — an important connection point for the destination’s 10,000 employees. initially, there will be a safety driver and software operator in the vehicle while in operation.

all images courtesy of optimus ride

to realize the initiative, the brooklyn navy yard partnered with optimus ride — a self-driving vehicle technology company that specializes in developing fully autonomous systems for geofenced environments. the vehicles will transport an expected 500 passengers per day and more than 16,000 passengers per month. on weekdays, between 7am and 10.30pm, the system will run on a continuous loop between the dock and the cumberland gate. on weekends the system will run between the dock and building 77 during those same time periods.

‘launching our self-driving vehicle system in new york at the brooklyn navy yard is yet another validation that not only is optimus ride’s system a safe, efficient means of transportation, but also that autonomous vehicles can solve real-world problems in structured environments — today,’ says dr. ryan chin, CEO and co-founder of optimus ride. ‘in addition, our system will provide access to and experience with autonomy for thousands of people, helping to increase acceptance and confidence of this new technology, which helps move the overall industry forward.’

‘the brooklyn navy yard’s mission is to serve as a hub of urban innovation and we are constantly looking for new ways to improve the experiences of our tenants and visitors,’ adds david ehrenberg, president and CEO of the brooklyn navy yard development corporation. ‘we are excited to bring the future of transportation to new york with optimus ride, and provide the 10,000 employees across the yard and the brooklyn community with greater access to convenient mobility.’