The Greater Cambridge Partnership (GCP) has announced the addition of Alexander Dennis and Fusion Processing to its self-driving bus initiative, the Connector project. This pilot scheme aims to introduce autonomous buses to Cambridge in the UK, enhancing travel options for residents and visitors.
Bus manufacturing company Alexander Dennis will construct three Enviro100AEV autonomous buses, based on the next-generation Enviro100EV, equipped with autonomous vehicle technology provided by Fusion Processing. These electric buses will be part of a four-vehicle fleet for the Connector project.
All autonomous buses in the trial will have a safety driver on board for additional safety and oversight.
Chris Gall, group engineering director for Alexander Dennis, said, “We are delighted to have been chosen to join the Connector consortium with our Enviro100AEV autonomous electric bus.”
Jim Hutchinson, CEO of Fusion Processing, added, “Our CAVStar automated drive system will provide the sensors, control modules and software that will allow the project vehicles to drive autonomously on the Cambridge routes, showcasing a safe and efficient new type of public transport system.”
The pilot will commence in late summer 2024 with a self-driving bus servicing a route from the Madingley Road Park & Ride site through the University of Cambridge’s West Cambridge Campus and into Eddington.
In early 2025, three additional autonomous buses will operate from the Trumpington and Babraham Park & Ride sites to the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, the largest medical research center in Europe. These services will complement existing public transportation options in the city.
The Connector consortium, led by the GCP and supported by Innovate UK, includes existing partners Stagecoach, IPG Automotive, dRISK and Gamma Energy. The project receives funding from the UK government’s Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CCAV) and industry partners, as part of an £84m (US$107m) pot for six separate projects.
Andy Williams, chair of the GCP Smart Working Group, concluded, “It’s great to welcome Alexander Dennis and Fusion Processing to the Connector project. Their expertise and experience will play a crucial role in bringing innovative self-driving bus services to Greater Cambridge as part of this project.
“We’re committed to delivering safe, efficient and important public transport solutions for people who live, work or visit Cambridge. The inclusion of these two new partners in an already strong consortium allows us to move forward with confidence and deliver real benefits to our community.”
In related news, WMG at The University of Warwick recently launched the Partners for Automated Vehicle Education United Kingdom initiative (PAVE UK), with founding partners the Department for Business and Trade, the Department for Transport, the Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CCAV) and Transport for West Midlands.