A 10-mile autonomous shuttle will open this summer in Detroit. Here's the route

The City of Detroit said Tuesday it is leading an effort to bring a pilot service starting this summer for a two-way, 10-mile autonomous vehicle shuttle route between Michigan Central and the city’s east riverfront.

The shuttle service, called the Connect, is a collaboration involving the city, Bedrock, Michigan Central and the State Office of Future Mobility and Electrification. The service is expected to start this summer at no cost to riders, officials said.

The joint project is funded with $1.5 million for its first year: $500,000 from Michigan Central, $500,000 from Bedrock and $500,000 from the Office of Future Mobility and Electrification. 

According to the city, the shuttle project is designed to boost Detroit's commitment to attain a zero-emission public transportation system.

"The Connect pilot signifies a bold leap toward sustainable and efficient mobility in our city," Tim Slusser, chief of the City of Detroit’s Office of Mobility Innovation, said in a press release Tuesday. "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."

The pilot will feature four all-electric, ADA compliant Ford E-Transit vehicles equipped with wheelchair accessibility. Charlottesville, Virginia-based Perrone Robotics, Inc. was selected as preferred partner for the project based on the firm's technological expertise, reliability and a shared vision, according to the city.

The shuttle is expected to run between Michigan Central in the city's Corktown neighborhood to Bedrock-owned 200 Walker St. on the east riverfront. The Pensole Lewis College of Business and Design and the recently opened Foot Locker Footwear Creation Stu/deo are housed at the Bedrock property.

“We are proud to partner with the City of Detroit and Michigan Central to enhance accessibility and connectivity in Detroit," said Bedrock CEO Kofi Bonner. "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.” 

The city says it will conduct community outreach initiatives with residents before deploying the shuttle, sharing finalized project details, including service operations and pick-up locations.

cwilliams@detroitnews.com

@CWilliams_DN