Alexander Dennis to Build Autonomous Buses for Cambridge Connector Project

Alexander Dennis, a leading bus manufacturer, has been selected to construct three Enviro100AEV autonomous buses for the Connector project in Cambridge, as reported by a local media outlet.

The Connector project, supported by Innovate UK and led by the Greater Cambridge Partnership, aims to deliver autonomous bus services in Cambridge. The project consortium includes bus operator Stagecoach, IPG Automotive, dRISK, and Gamma Energy, and is part-funded by the UK Government’s Centre for Connected & Autonomous Vehicles.

The Enviro100AEV buses are scheduled to be built later in 2024 and are expected to be in service by 2025 after a period of testing and training for the autonomous bus professionals who will supervise the vehicles.

Alexander Dennis, in partnership with Fusion Processing Ltd, a provider of automated drive systems, will supply the Enviro100AEV electric autonomous buses as part of a four-vehicle fleet for the Connector project. The Enviro100AEV is a version of the next-generation Enviro100EV fitted with autonomous vehicle technology.

The consortium is also involved in the CAVForth project in Scotland, described as “the world’s most advanced and complex SAE Level 4 autonomous bus service.” The experience gained from this project will be leveraged to adapt the vehicle and its technology for services at the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Europe’s largest centre for medical research and health science.

Chris Gall, Group Engineering Director for Alexander Dennis, expressed excitement about joining the Project Connector consortium, stating, “This is a fantastic opportunity to further the development of this technology with our partners as we continue to explore use cases where autonomous buses can improve operational efficiency and add flexibility to transport networks.”

Jim Hutchinson, CEO of Fusion Processing Ltd, highlighted the role of their CAVStar® Automated Drive System in enabling the project vehicles to drive autonomously, showcasing a safe and efficient new type of public transport system.

Cllr Elisa Meschini, Chair of the Greater Cambridge Partnership’s Executive Board, emphasized the importance of autonomous vehicles in addressing the area’s transport needs, stating, “It will be really exciting to see what was once considered to be fanciful science fiction to be out on our roads giving people choice in how they travel.”

Andy Williams, Chair of the GCP Smart Working Group, welcomed Alexander Dennis and Fusion Processing Ltd to the Connector project, emphasizing their expertise in delivering innovative self-driving bus services. Williams highlighted the commitment to providing safe, efficient, and important public transport solutions for the Cambridge community.