An exciting new project highlighting Coventry’s forward thinking and technological innovation with leading autonomous technology provider Conigital has secured joint government and industry funding.
The pioneering development project brings automated shuttles ferrying passengers between Coventry rail station and Coventry University campus.
This continues to establish Coventry City Council’s reputation as one of the leaders in the field of Connected Automated Vehicle (CAV) technology.
The proposed route forms a key part of a wider project being overseen by a regional consortium led by Conigital. The Multi-Area Connected Automated Mobility (MACAM) project will also see a similar route rolled out between Birmingham International rail station and Birmingham Business Park through the National Exhibition Centre, seeking to establish a new permanent commercial route.
The two new routes will be served by a mixed fleet of 13 automated shuttles and underpinned by a new centralised Remote Monitoring Teleoperation (RMTO) centre operated by Transport for West Midlands. The RMTO centre will be used to monitor the project’s automated vehicles and (when required) control them, using 5G connectivity. The landmark project aims to make self-driving vehicle operations commercially viable and offset current technology and operator costs.
A total of £42 million has been awarded by government and then matched by private industry to fund a range of projects across the country, intended to demonstrate sustainable commercial CAV services by 2025.
Councillor Jim O’Boyle, Cabinet Member for jobs and Regeneration and Climate Change at Coventry City Council said;
“We are extremely pleased to be involved in this project which will further develop the way connected and autonomous vehicles will help revolutionise the way we travel in the future.
“This is an emerging sector which will create jobs and opportunities for local people, supporting the economic success of the city.
“ “Working with our partners, the city and region is really leading the way here, not least because we have the industry expertise to drive this forward much like our other pioneering projects including Very Light Rail.”
Conigital CEO, Don Dhaliwal commented;
“We are excited to work with such a forward looking council such as Coventry and other partners to accelerate a joint vision of Autonomous, Connected, Electric & Shared (ACES) fleets to address the cities and businesses needs to Go Zero, Zero Accidents, Zero Emissions and Zero Congestion for a safer and cleaner and more climate conscious future whilst creating new jobs via delivery of sustainable, accessible commercial CAV services.”