Cambridge Begins ‘Connector’ Self-Driving Bus Trials

The Greater Cambridge Partnership’s (GCP) Connector project marks a groundbreaking step in introducing self-driving passenger transport to Cambridge, UK, aiming to enhance public transport options while tackling congestion and air quality challenges.

Launched as part of the Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CCAV) Connected and Automated Mobility programme, this pilot scheme trials autonomous buses to integrate seamlessly with the city’s existing transport network.

The project, which began passenger services on June 24, 2025, is funded by £8.7 million from the UK government, matched by industry contributions, totaling £17.4 million. It represents a significant milestone in positioning Cambridge as a leader in autonomous transport innovation.

The first phase of the Connector project involves a 15-seater autonomous bus, built by Alexander Dennis (Enviro100AEV) and equipped with Fusion Processing’s CAVStar® automated drive system.

Autonomous Bus

This bus operates a free service from Madingley Road Park & Ride, looping through the University of Cambridge’s West Cambridge Innovation District and Eddington. Running eight times per weekday during morning and afternoon periods, the service strengthens connectivity to workplaces, study areas, and community facilities.

Whippet Coaches, a long-established Cambridgeshire operator, manages the service, with ticketing and payment systems integrated by Stagecoach. All buses feature trained safety drivers onboard, supported by a Safety Committee that conducts rigorous safety assessments, and utilize a private 5G network for enhanced system monitoring.

Looking ahead, the second phase, set to launch in early 2025, will introduce two additional autonomous buses serving routes from Trumpington and Babraham Park & Ride sites to the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Europe’s largest medical research center. These services will complement existing public transport options, further expanding the project’s reach.

Both trial phases are scheduled to conclude by September 2025. The Connector consortium, led by the GCP, includes key partners such as Alexander Dennis Ltd, Fusion Processing Ltd, Whippet Coaches, Stagecoach, Gamma Energy, IPG Automotive, and dRISK, who collectively drive the project’s technology, operations, and risk management.

Building on earlier trials, like the 2021 autonomous shuttle tests at West Cambridge, the project is supported by Cambridgeshire County Council, Cambridge City Council, South Cambridgeshire District Council, and the University of Cambridge.

The Connector project is designed to test how autonomous vehicles can support a sustainable and reliable public transport network, potentially addressing driver shortages, extending service hours, and improving route viability. By encouraging public transport use, the GCP aims to reduce reliance on private cars, alleviating congestion and enhancing air quality in one of the UK’s fastest-growing cities.

The project also delivers economic and social benefits by improving connectivity to key sites like the Biomedical Campus and West Cambridge, fostering economic growth, and enhancing access for residents and visitors. Passengers can share feedback via QR code surveys, helping shape future transport strategies.

This initiative aligns with Cambridge’s reputation for innovation, as highlighted by Cllr Elisa Meschini, Chair of the GCP’s Executive Board, who emphasized its transformative potential for travel options. Dan Clarke, Head of Innovation and Technology, underscored the project’s phased, safety-focused approach to build passenger confidence, while Professor Anna Philpott from the University of Cambridge noted its contribution to sustainable innovation.

The Connector project not only showcases technology once deemed futuristic but also sets a foundation for broader autonomous vehicle deployment across Greater Cambridge, contributing to a world-class public transport network.