On September 15, 2021, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced more than $440,000 in Michigan Mobility Funding Platform grants for transportation-related initiatives around the state, including southeast Michigan.
One of the partnering organizations included MUVE, a company dedicated to bringing accessible options for people with disabilities. MUVE worked with the Western-Washtenaw Area Value Express (WAVE) to bring opportunities for people with disabilities in Washtenaw County to use the Go MUVE app and request accessible transportation options. MUVE was previously dispatched successfully in the Upper Penninsula and is now being continued throughout Michigan.
“We see the state of Michigan as the leading market for mobility innovation globally and we are looking forward to deploying our solution with WAVE as well as with the community partners in surrounding areas,” co-founder of MUVE Anthony Shannon said.
The application has many features including “specify accessibility needs for themselves or their loved ones, for a bespoke, safe & affordable mobility experience, easily book on-demand, or schedule accessible trips, with door-to-door, arm-to-arm assistance, with drivers trained for sensitivity awareness and able to assist users of all abilities and tag accessible locations to unlock rewards and help your community.”
“Along with the on-boarding of additional drivers, this new technology lets us now offer a more user-friendly service and try extended weekday demand-responsive service hours, both earlier in the mornings and later in the afternoons, throughout our area,” Executive director of WAVE Julia Roberts said in a press release.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, in June 2021 there were 2,310,271 adults in Michigan with a disability, or one in three adults in Michigan. MUVE’s services are designed for people with disabilities and mobility challenges including seniors and veterans.
“These grants are securing a foundation for mobility companies across the state that builds on our reputation as a global leader in testing and deployment of future mobility solutions, but also create a runway to future growth and jobs right here in Michigan,” Whitmer said about MUVE as well as the other partnering organizations in the mobility funding grant.
Download the Go MUVE application on iOS or Android. Learn more about MUVE and WAVE at their respective websites.
