A bifurcated navigation control system defines a path whereby a manipulator cart is to navigate from an initial location to a target location. The system directs the manipulator cart to navigate, in a first bifurcated navigation control mode associated with a primary control interface that facilitates both operator control of steering and propulsion, along at least part of a first portion of the path from the initial to an intermediate location. The system further directs the manipulator cart to navigate, in a second bifurcated navigation control mode associated with a secondary control interface that facilitates operator control of propulsion but not steering, along at least part of a second portion of the path from the intermediate to the target location. In the first and second bifurcated navigation control modes, the system autonomously controls the steering of the manipulator cart while allowing operator control of the propulsion of the manipulator cart.