Detroit, in collaboration with Bedrock, Michigan Central, and the State Office of Future Mobility and Electrification (OFME), is set to deploy ‘Connect,’ an autonomous vehicle (AV) transit pilot aimed at advancing the city’s commitment to zero-emission public transportation.
The Connect pilot will establish a shuttle service on a a 10.8-mile route between Michigan Central and Detroit’s East Riverfront . Funding of US$1.5m (US$500,000 from each company) for the first year has been secured from Michigan Central, Bedrock and the State OFME.
“Through collaborative efforts, we not only aim to provide a reliable and efficient transportation experience connecting neighborhoods, transit routes and modes and economic hubs but also position Detroit at the forefront of the autonomous vehicle race,” said Tim Slusser, chief of the City of Detroit’s Office of Mobility Innovation.
Scheduled for deployment in summer 2024, the Connect pilot will feature four all-electric Ford E-Transit vehicles that are equipped with wheelchair accessibility and ADA compliant. Perrone Robotics, Inc. has been selected as the partner for the project.
The collaboration is intended to refine AV transit services to meet the community’s diverse needs, promoting sustainable and efficient mobility in Detroit. The initiative is aligned with existing transportation options, to enhance the overall mobility network for the city.
Led by the City of Detroit, the consortium behind the project is dedicated to creating a “publicly accessible, financially sustainable service focusing on equitable and sustainable transit within the city”. Next Infrastructure will oversee project management and implementation.
Daniel Hansen, managing partner at Next Infrastructure, said, “We are dedicated to ensuring this pilot program not only upholds Detroit’s legacy as a hub of automotive innovation, but also serves as a model for sustainable urban mobility nationwide.”
The fleet’s deployment will undergo rigorous testing to ensure efficiency and safety before its introduction for public use.
Kofi Bonner, CEO at Bedrock, said, “Investing in reliable, sustainable last-mile transit options is crucial for creating a vibrant city core. Implementing innovations like the Connect pilot further solidifies Detroit’s leadership in sustainable mobility.”
Carolina Pluszczynski, Michigan Central’s chief operating officer and head of innovation services, said, “This pilot is an opportunity to explore a new way to think about public transportation that works in tandem with the city’s existing bus system while expanding access to more people and places.”
Slusser said, “Our overarching goal is to deploy the technology of tomorrow in a manner that ensures accessibility and invites feedback from all Detroiters, shaping a more connected and vibrant future for our community.”