Lyft Launches Robotaxi Service In Atlanta With May Mobility

Lyft (LYFT) is launching an autonomous vehicle service in partnership with May Mobility in Atlanta, raising competition for Alphabet Inc.’s (GOOG, GOOGL) Waymo.

Under a pilot program, riders using the Lyft app can be matched with a modified hybrid-electric Toyota Sienna minivan operated by Michigan-based May Mobility. The vans will operate within a small part of the city and have a driver on board to take over in case of emergencies.

“During initial rides, standby operators will be in the vehicles to take over when needed for the technology, as well as answer questions and ensure riders feel comfortable,” Lyft said. According to May Mobility, the operators will intervene less over time as the service is optimized.

Lyft also announced plans to expand service hours and vehicle availability in the months ahead. LYFT shares traded 1% higher in the pre-market session at the time of writing. On Stocktwits, retail sentiment around the stock jumped from ‘bearish’ to ‘bullish’ territory over the past 24 hours, while message volume rose from ‘normal’ to ‘high’ levels.

The autonomous vehicles will operate around the Midtown area of Atlanta, including the Virginia Highlands, Old Fourth Ward, and Inman Park. The vehicles are driven by May Mobility’s patented Multi-Policy Decision Making platform, which analyzes thousands of potential scenarios and their outcomes, and then uses human-like reasoning to choose the safest option in real-time.

The launch marks the first public autonomous vehicle deployment under Lyft and May Mobility’s partnership. May Mobility said that the companies plan to expand the collaboration based on feedback and operational performance, with potential for additional markets.

The launch also marks an increase in competition for Waymo, whose robotaxis are already available on Lyft’s rival, Uber Technologies' platform in Atlanta.

LYFT stock is up by 43% this year and by about 63% over the past 12 months.

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