The Connect AV Shuttle Service

Introduction

The Connect AV Shuttle Service is Detroit's fully electric and wheel-chair accessible autonomous vehicle (AV) pilot program. This project is a significant step towards achieving a zero-emission public transportation system and setting new standards for sustainable urban mobility. The Connect shuttle service will officially open to the public on Tuesday, August 13, 2024.

Service Overview

The Connect shuttle service offers a fully electric, autonomous transit option that is free for all riders. The shuttles will operate on a 10.8-mile two-way route connecting key areas of Detroit, from Corktown through downtown Detroit to the East Jefferson Riverfront and back.

Key Details:

• Public Launch Date: Tuesday, August 13, 2024
• Operating Hours: Monday to Friday, 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
• Frequency: Shuttles will arrive at stops approximately every 10 minutes during peak hours
• Accessibility: Riders can track shuttles in real-time at https://theconnect.liftango.com 

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. 

Route Map

The Connect service runs on a 10.8-mile route, linking Michigan Central to Bedrock’s 200 Walker Street on the East Jefferson Riverfront. This route was designed to serve key areas of Detroit, improving connectivity and access to essential destinations within the city.

10.8 mile two-way The Connect AV shuttle route, linking Michigan Central to Bedrock's 200 Walker Street

Real-Time Tracking & 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.  

Project Partners

The Connect pilot is a collaborative effort involving several key partners who are dedicated to advancing sustainable urban mobility in Detroit.

• Bedrock
• Michigan Central
• State of Michigan’s Office of Future Mobility and Electrification (OFME)
• Perrone Robotics, Inc. - Selected as the preferred partner for autonomous vehicle technology, leveraging over 20 years of expertise in the field.

Funding & Support

The Connect project has received significant financial support to ensure its successful implementation and operation.

Funding Overview:

• Initial Funding: $1.5 million from Michigan Central, Bedrock, and the State of Michigan’s OFME, with each contributing $500,000.
• Additional Funding: $1.67 million from the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) to enhance the service by adding a fifth shuttle, reducing wait times, and extending the pilot by an additional year.

Next Steps

As the Connect service rolls out, the City of Detroit and its partners will continue to engage with the community, gathering feedback to refine and improve the service. This pilot is not just a transit service but a demonstration of the future of urban mobility, aiming to serve as a model for cities nationwide.

Learn More

For more information about the Connect AV Shuttle Service and to access the shuttle tracking web platform, please visit theconnect.liftango.com. Stay tuned for updates as we continue to shape the future of transportation in Detroit!

For any questions, please contact [email protected]