Detroit's AV Shuttle: The Connect Pilot

Embarking on a New Era of Urban Mobility: The Detroit Connect Pilot

The City of Detroit is at the forefront of innovation, officially launching "The Connect," a groundbreaking autonomous vehicle (AV) shuttle pilot program. This ambitious initiative, set to open its doors to the public on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, at 7:00 AM, represents a significant stride towards a zero-emission public transportation system and aims to redefine sustainable urban mobility within the Motor City. The Connect is more than just a shuttle service; it's a learning laboratory designed to refine autonomous transit solutions, catering to the diverse needs of Detroit's vibrant community.

Initially, the shuttles will operate under manual control, a crucial phase allowing for operational acclimatisation, meticulous analysis of potential route adjustments, and the verification of specific autonomous features essential for Detroit's dynamic urban landscape. As the pilot progresses, there are plans to progressively integrate more advanced capabilities, culminating in full autonomous driving functionality later this year. This evolution is being realised through a strategic partnership with Perrone Robotics, a leader in autonomous vehicle technology. Crucially, throughout the entire duration of the pilot, a dedicated safety operator will remain at the helm of The Connect shuttles, ensuring paramount safety and providing a reassuring presence for passengers. The City of Detroit, in close collaboration with its esteemed partners, remains committed to ongoing community engagement, actively soliciting feedback to continuously enhance and improve the service.

Service Details: A Seamless and Sustainable Commute

The Connect offers a completely free, fully electric shuttle service, creating an accessible and eco-friendly transit option for all residents and visitors. The service operates on an extensive 10.8-mile, two-way route, artfully connecting the historic Corktown district, traversing through the heart of downtown Detroit, and extending to the scenic East Jefferson Riverfront. This thoughtfully designed route ensures broad coverage and connectivity across key areas of the city.

Key Operational Information:

• Public Operations Begin: Tuesday, August 13, 2024, at 7:00 AM.
• Operating Hours: Monday to Friday, from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
• Frequency: During peak hours, passengers can expect shuttles to arrive at designated stops approximately every 10 to 15 minutes, minimising wait times and ensuring a reliable service.
• Fleet: The service will commence with a fleet of four all-electric, wheelchair-accessible Ford E-Transit shuttles, prioritising inclusivity and environmental responsibility.

Navigating The Connect: Real-Time Tracking and Accessibility

Understanding the importance of a user-friendly experience, The Connect integrates advanced real-time tracking capabilities. Riders can effortlessly monitor the shuttles' progress and obtain estimated times of arrival (ETAs) through the dedicated Liftango web platform. This platform is conveniently accessible via any mobile device or desktop computer, ensuring that passengers are always informed. To further assist users, comprehensive video tutorials and user guides will be readily available on the official website upon the service's launch, providing clear instructions and support for navigating the platform.

A Collaborative Vision: The Partners Behind The Connect

The success of The Connect pilot is a testament to a powerful collaborative effort, bringing together key stakeholders dedicated to advancing mobility in Detroit:

• The City of Detroit: Leading the charge, the city is instrumental in planning, implementation, and community engagement. The Office of Mobility Innovation (OMI) within the city government is specifically tasked with navigating the evolving transportation landscape and fostering innovation.
• Bedrock: A prominent real estate firm specialising in urban development, Bedrock plays a crucial role in shaping the physical environment and supporting the project's infrastructure needs.
• Michigan Central: This 30-acre technology and cultural hub serves as a central point for collaboration, bringing together leaders, thinkers, and creators to accelerate future-shaping technologies. Its involvement provides vital resources and a testbed for innovation.
• State of Michigan’s Office of Future Mobility and Electrification (OFME): Working across government, academia, and private industry, OFME is dedicated to enhancing Michigan's mobility ecosystem, developing forward-thinking policies, and supporting emerging technologies.
• Perrone Robotics, Inc.: Selected as the preferred technology partner, Perrone Robotics brings over two decades of expertise in autonomous vehicle systems. Their TONY® (TO Navigate You) system is a vehicle-independent retrofit kit that enables full autonomy for transit of people and goods.

Funding the Future: Sustaining and Expanding the Pilot

The Connect initiative is bolstered by significant financial backing, ensuring its long-term viability and potential for expansion. In addition to the initial $1.5 million provided by Michigan Central, Bedrock, and the OFME for the first year, the City of Detroit has successfully secured an additional $1.67 million in funding from the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT). This crucial funding injection will be strategically utilised to introduce a fifth shuttle to the fleet, further reducing passenger wait times, and extending the pilot program by an additional year. This demonstrates a strong commitment to the project's success and its potential to create lasting impact.

The Bigger Picture: Detroit's Office of Mobility Innovation (OMI)

The City of Detroit's Office of Mobility Innovation (OMI) is a pivotal entity dedicated to guiding the city through the rapidly evolving transportation and mobility sectors. Leveraging Detroit's rich automotive heritage, OMI fosters collaboration with industry leaders, academia, philanthropic organisations, and governmental bodies to define and shape the future of mobility. Their core mission is to place residents at the centre of every initiative, utilising mobility as a catalyst for creating opportunities and improving lives throughout Detroit.

About Michigan Central: A Hub for Innovation

Michigan Central is more than just a physical space; it's a dynamic 30-acre technology and cultural district in Detroit. It serves as a nexus where innovators, community members, and thought leaders converge to accelerate the development of bold ideas and technologies that will shape our collective future. By offering access to state-of-the-art infrastructure, cutting-edge tools, and essential resources, Michigan Central empowers innovators and community members to collaborate on tangible, groundbreaking solutions to global challenges. Since its opening in April 2023, it has blossomed into a diverse ecosystem, housing over 600 employees from more than 100 companies and startups, all working at the critical intersection of mobility and society. The iconic Michigan Central Station, revitalised as the district's centrepiece, opened in June 2024 and has already welcomed tens of thousands of visitors, celebrating the transformative rebirth of Detroit's historic landmark into a global destination.

Bedrock: Building the Future of Urban Spaces

Bedrock is a comprehensive real estate firm with a clear focus on innovative city-building strategies. Since its inception in 2011, Bedrock and its affiliated entities have demonstrated a significant commitment, investing and dedicating over $7.5 billion towards the acquisition, development, and operation of more than 140 properties across Detroit and Cleveland. Their portfolio includes transformative landmark developments such as the Hudson's Site, Book Tower, City Modern, Tower City Center, and the May Company Building. Bedrock's extensive project experience encompasses new construction, adaptive reuse of existing structures, and a diverse portfolio spanning over 21 million square feet of office, retail, residential, industrial, hospitality, and parking spaces.

State of Michigan's OFME: Driving Future Mobility

Michigan’s Office of Future Mobility and Electrification (OFME) operates as a crucial cross-sectoral collaborator, engaging with state government agencies, academic institutions, and private industry players. Its primary objective is to bolster and enhance Michigan's burgeoning mobility ecosystem. This involves the strategic development of dynamic mobility and electrification policies, alongside dedicated support for the growth and scaling of emerging technologies and innovative businesses within the state.

Perrone Robotics: Pioneering Autonomous Technology

Perrone Robotics stands as a leading provider of advanced autonomous vehicle systems. The company delivers unparalleled mobility excellence through its proprietary TONY® (TO Navigate You) system. TONY is a flexible, vehicle-independent retrofit kit designed for the autonomous transit of both people and goods within defined geographic areas and localised operational zones. The TONY system can be seamlessly integrated into virtually any vehicle type or model, regardless of its application, effectively functioning as a complete "artificial driver" solution. This integration facilitates full autonomy within a safety-certifiable framework. With a proven track record, successful pilot programs, and active commercial production, Perrone's autonomous systems empower commercial, municipal, and governmental clients to significantly boost transportation efficiencies, elevate safety standards, and accelerate the adoption of zero-emission electric vehicles.

Frequently Asked Questions:

The Detroit Connect pilot program represents a significant investment in the future of urban transportation, blending cutting-edge technology with a commitment to sustainability and community needs. This initiative promises to offer valuable insights and lay the groundwork for broader adoption of autonomous and electric mobility solutions across the nation.

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