Detroit to announce the launch of “The Connect” autonomous vehicle (AV) shuttle pilot program, scheduled to open to the public 

“The Connect” AV Shuttle Service, a free, autonomous and fully electric pilot program, will open to the public

Pilot program aims to learn and refine an autonomous vehicle transit service to meet the diverse needs of Detroit’s community. The pilot program is a significant step toward achieving a zero-emission public transportation system and setting a new standard for sustainable urban mobility in Detroit.      

Upon launch, the pilot shuttles will be manually operated to allow for operations acclimation, analyze potential route adjustments, and verify the specific autonomous features needed for Detroit’s urban environment     . Over time, additional capabilities and functionalities will be added, including full autonomous driving later this year in partnership with Perrone Robotics. Throughout the duration of the pilot, a safety operator will remain behind the wheel of The Connect shuttles at all times. The City of Detroit, along with its partners, will continue to engage with the community to gather feedback and make improvements to the service.

The Connect Service Details:

The fully electric shuttle service, which loops from Corktown through downtown Detroit to the East Jefferson Riverfront, is free for all riders. The service will commence with four all-electric, wheelchair-accessible Ford E-Transit shuttles.

• Public Operations Begin: Tuesday, August 13 at 7:00 AM
• Operating Hours: 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Monday to Friday
• Frequency: Shuttles will arrive at stops approximately every 10 to 15 minutes during peak hours
• Accessibility: Riders can track the shuttles in real-time at: theconnect.liftango.com

 

The ‘Connect’ Service Route Map:

Real-Time Tracking and Accessibility:

Riders can track the shuttles in real-time and get estimated times of arrival via the Liftango web platform, which will be accessible via mobile devices or desktop. Video tutorial and user guides for the platform will be available when service opens on the official website. More details to come. 

Project Partners:

The Connect project is a collaborative effort involving the City of Detroit, Bedrock, Michigan Central, and the State of Michigan’s Office of Future Mobility and Electrification (OFME). Perrone Robotics, Inc. was selected as the preferred partner operating the shuttle service, leveraging over 20 years of expertise in autonomous vehicle technology.

Funding and Support:

In addition to the initial $1.5 million in first-year funding from Michigan Central, Bedrock, and the State of Michigan’s Office of Future Mobility and Electrification (OFME), the City of Detroit has secured an additional $1.67 million from the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT). This new funding will be used to enhance the Connect service by adding a fifth shuttle, reducing wait times, and extending the pilot by an additional year.

For more information about the Connect pilot project and to access the shuttle tracking platform, please visit  www.detroitmi.gov/government/mayors-office/office-mobility-innovation/connect-av-shuttle-service.

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