Why it matters: The ADASTRA Feasibility Study could pave the way for autonomous shuttles to connect rural communities with essential services, offering a solution to transport challenges that have long affected Suffolk's more remote areas.
The big picture: Suffolk is one of 14 areas across the UK selected for funding through the Connected and Automated Mobility (CAM) Pathfinder Feasibility Studies Competition, supporting the government's ambition to establish a £40 billion CAM sector by 2040.
The council has been working with design experts Smart City Consultancy to assess the technical, operational, and regulatory requirements of incorporating autonomous shuttle services into a future network of mobility hubs across the county.
A self-driving shuttle, built in New Zealand by Ohmio, is operated by Smart City Consultancy and is based at BT Adastral Park near Ipswich. The shuttle can accommodate 15 people in total, but currently has a maximum seated capacity of eight, with a safety driver.
What they're saying: "We are committed to delivering a range of transport options to meet the changing needs of the county," said Councillor Chris Chambers, Cabinet Member for Transport Strategy, Planning and Waste. "The use of self-driving, environmentally friendly shuttles operating alongside traditional services as part of a Mobility Hub network is a key component of that strategy."
The details: The study aims to shape a viable strategy for the commercial deployment of autonomous vehicles, potentially linking future residential developments in Suffolk with strategic bus routes. The central element of the project is testing public perception around safety and operations.
Though the current study does not include trials with remote operators, the findings will inform future planning for staff-free, remotely supervised vehicles.
What's next: Future public engagement will see a series of events in high-footfall locations across the county, plus an invitation-only event for key stakeholders. These events aim to gather feedback and raise awareness about how autonomous technology can benefit communities by improving accessibility, addressing driver shortages, and offering sustainable transport solutions.
"We are passionate about driving adoption of new autonomous services," said Ian Pulford, Director at Smart City Consultancy. "ADASTRA is an important first step toward delivering a Suffolk-wide Mobility Hub network that connects people, services and opportunities—ultimately creating jobs and transforming the way we travel."
The bottom line: The ADASTRA study will attempt to position Suffolk to lead in future funding rounds under the £150 million CAM Pathfinder programme, potentially transforming how residents access transport in areas where traditional services struggle to operate viably.
