Whippet begins autonomous bus service

Whippet is now operating an autonomous bus around Cambridge.

As part of the Greater Cambridge Partnership’s Connector project, the Cambridgeshire-based operator is running an autonomous 15-seat Mellor Orion electric minibus between Madingley Road Park & Ride and Cambridge University’s Eddington neighbourhood and Cambridge West Innovation District. It is being used on a limited number of morning and afternoon runs each weekday. The trial passenger service is free.

The vehicle has been fitted with autonomous technology from Fusion Processing.

The Connector trial is part of a national Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CCAV) programme backed by the UK Government to explore how autonomous buses can be safely and effectively integrated into public transport systems.

All vehicles are supported by trained safety drivers at all times and have already undergone digital simulation and rigorous on-road testing.

A full-scale launch of two full-size autonomous buses, two Alexander Dennis Enviro100EVs, on a second route to the Cambridge Biomedical Campus is due to begin later this year.

Whippet believes it is the first independent operator to trial autonomous vehicles. It joined the project after Stagecoach withdrew from being the scheme’s operator.

Ed Cameron, Director from Whippet, said: “We’re thrilled to begin welcoming passengers on this new automated bus service. Buses are a vital part of the transport ecosystem, and projects like this demonstrate how innovation is driving the future of sustainable, accessible mobility.”