By Eng Muude | AYROTV.com
Tue jul 29 2025 – The future of urban transport is rolling into the city centre as plans to extend self-driving shuttle trials have been approved, backed by new funding from Innovate UK, part of the Department for Transport. The expansion will test autonomous vehicles in more areas, bringing the city one step closer to a driverless future.
Extended Route to Boost Research
The StreetCAV Plus project, led by the city council and Smart City Consultancy, will now deploy autonomous shuttles between the train station and Hotel La Tour. This extended route will give researchers more opportunities to study how the vehicles perform in busy urban environments, including interactions with pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users.
Earlier this year, mapping work began to prepare for the expanded trials, which are expected to launch in the coming months. The shuttles—designed to carry up to eight passengers—will operate at low speeds (under 15mph) and stop at multiple pick-up and drop-off points, offering a glimpse into the future of on-demand public transport.
How the Self-Driving Shuttles Work
Manufactured by Ohmio, a New Zealand-based company with its UK headquarters in Milton Keynes, the shuttles are equipped with advanced sensors and AI navigation systems. A dedicated control room in the city will monitor their movements in real time, ensuring safety and collecting data to improve future autonomous transport systems.
Local Jobs and Tech Growth
The project has already created around 15 high-tech jobs in the area, with several recent graduates from Cranfield University joining the team. This investment in cutting-edge mobility solutions highlights the city’s commitment to innovation and sustainable transport.
What’s Next for Autonomous Transport?
The StreetCAV Plus trials are a crucial step toward fully driverless vehicles on UK roads. If successful, the technology could reduce congestion, lower emissions, and provide a more efficient public transport option for urban areas.
“This expansion allows us to test autonomous vehicles in real-world conditions, ensuring they are safe, reliable, and ready for future adoption,” said a spokesperson for the project.
For more updates on the self-driving shuttle trials, follow AYROTV.com or check official announcements from the city council.
What do you think about self-driving shuttles in the city? Let us know in the comments!
Why This Matters for AYROTV Readers:
✅ Innovation in transport – The city is testing next-gen mobility solutions.
✅ Job creation – High-tech roles are being created locally.
✅ Future-ready infrastructure – A step toward smarter, greener cities.
Stay tuned to AYROTV for the latest in tech, transport, and urban innovation! 🚀
