Detroit is gearing up to debut a futuristic transit option this summer with the launch of a pilot program featuring a 10-mile autonomous shuttle route dubbed the Connect. A collaborative effort to link Michigan Central to the east part of the riverfront, as reported by FOX 2. This program will deploy four electric Ford E-Transit shuttle vans that are wheelchair accessible and feature a safety operator to oversee the autonomous navigation of the vehicles.
Tim Slusser, chief of the City of Detroit’s Office of Mobility Innovation, described the Connect pilot as a "bold leap toward sustainable and efficient mobility," a venture that is the fruit of joint contributions from Michigan Central, Bedrock, and the State of Michigan’s Office of Future Mobility and Electrification (OFME), securing a total of $1.5 million in funding, with each party providing a significant $500,000, as detailed by detroitmi.gov. The shuttle route aims to provide a zero-emission option within the public transportation system, marrying innovation with environmental consciousness.
Ahead of the summer launch, extensive testing of the shuttles both on and off-road will be critical to finalizing project details, such as service operations and pickup locations, while the city's Office of Mobility Innovation will lead community outreach to integrate resident feedback for a high-quality rider experience, according to FOX 2.
Alongside promoting sustainable transit, the Connect service ambitiously seeks to create job opportunities by providing skills training in autonomous vehicle technology, therefore not only does it engage in innovation it also invests in the local workforce as per the City of Detroit's efforts to shape an interconnected community with economic vitality, Kofi Bonner, CEO at Bedrock, told FOX 2, "Investing in reliable, sustainable last-mile transit options is crucial for creating a vibrant city core." The Connect pilot marks significant progress in the city's journey towards a more sustainable, and connected transportation future.
Perrone Robotics, Inc., a company with more than two decades of experience in the autonomous vehicle sector, will bring its expertise to the streets of Detroit, fitting the E-Transit shuttles with its TONY AV Kit that utilizes onboard sensors and software to navigate the route. The residents and tech enthusiasts eager to experience the Connect shuttle can anticipate its operations to commence late summer of 2024, as the pilot program signifies a stride in Detroit's ongoing legacy of automotive innovation and the larger journey of urban mobility progress.
