Milton Keynes is gearing up to test a groundbreaking transport innovation—driverless buses. Trials for the autonomous shuttle service are set to begin in mid-December, with plans to start passenger services as early as next year if the trials prove successful.
The project, developed in partnership with Smart City Consultancy, aims to revolutionize urban transport by offering a safe, efficient, and accessible mode of travel. The buses, known as StreetCAVs (Connected and Autonomous Vehicles), could eventually connect people to various destinations across Milton Keynes.
Kieran Arnold, a spokesperson for the project, said:
“The fully accessible shuttles will be connected to a new city centre control room via a specifically designed communications network, allowing vehicles to be supervised and managed remotely.”
Currently, the StreetCAV technology is on display at the Smart City Experience Centre in centre:mk’s Middleton Hall, which opened in November. The centre is showcasing various innovations, including drones for road inspections and medical deliveries, as well as robotics designed to enhance urban living.
The trials mark an important step forward in Milton Keynes’ ambition to become a leader in smart city innovation, potentially setting a new standard for public transport in the UK.
