A Federal Transit Administration report found seniors and riders certified under the Americans with Disabilities Act in the East Valley prefer autonomous vehicles, also called AVs, over traditional taxis or rideshare options. 

Results of the six-month study show participants did more activities outside the home and would be comfortable riding alone, without an AV specialist. 

The study was conducted by Valley Metro, Waymo and Arizona State University. Officials say its focus was seeing how AV “enhanced customer experience, met accessibility needs and helped improve affordability and safety to a key rider demographic.”

Researchers plan to further explore the effectiveness and supportiveness of transit services in point-to-point mobility.