Northwest Wayne News

The City of Detroit is partnering with Bedrock, Michigan Central, and the State Office of Future Mobility and Electrification to introduce the 'Connect', a two-way 10-mile autonomous vehicle shuttle route pilot program set to launch in the summer of 2024.

The collaborative effort aims to revolutionize public transportation in Detroit by providing a sustainable and efficient mobility solution. Tim Slusser, chief of the City of Detroit’s Office of Mobility Innovation, expressed that the project's goal is to connect neighborhoods, transit routes, and economic hubs while positioning Detroit at the forefront of the autonomous vehicle industry.

Kofi Bonner, CEO at Bedrock, highlighted the importance of enhancing accessibility and connectivity in Detroit through innovative transportation initiatives. Michigan Central's chief operating officer, Carolina Pluszczynski, emphasized the pilot program's goal of reimagining public transportation to expand access for more individuals and locations.

The project management and implementation of the pilot will be led by NEXT Infrastructure, as stated by Managing Partner Daniel Hansen, who emphasized Detroit's bold step into the future of urban transportation.

Paul Perrone, CEO of Perrone Robotics, expressed excitement about partnering on the project, stating that the initiative goes beyond deploying shuttles to weaving the fabric of the future in Detroit, towards a more sustainable, accessible, and connected urban experience.

The Connect pilot program, funded by key partners with a total of $1.5 million for its first year, aligns with the City's commitment to a zero-emission public transportation system. It not only promotes environmental sustainability but also creates job opportunities and provides training in advanced skills related to autonomous vehicle technology for Detroit residents.

The upcoming months will see rigorous testing of the Connect shuttles before their public launch, marking a significant advancement towards a connected, sustainable, and innovative future for transportation in Detroit.