Northern Ireland’s first self-driving shuttle service coming to Belfast
This is the future 👀
Last updated 1st Feb 2023
One of the first fully driverless transport systems anywhere in the UK is to be launched in Belfast next year as part of an innovative project led by Belfast Harbour with funding from Innovate UK.
The ‘Harlander’ project will establish an automated passenger shuttle service from the Titanic Quarter railway station to the Catalyst Science Park in Queen’s Island.
The service will transport residents, visitors and employees to venues such as Titanic Belfast, Catalyst and Belfast Metropolitan College.
Belfast Harbour is leading the development of the service alongside a consortium of partners that includes REE Automotive, Angoka, BT and Horiba Mira.
“Self-driving vehicles including buses will positively transform people’s everyday lives – making it easier to get around, access vital services and improve regional connectivity,” explains Transport Secretary Mark Harper.
“We’re supporting and investing in the safe rollout of this incredible technology to help maximise its full potential, while also creating skilled jobs and boosting growth in this important sector.”
Business Secretary Grant Shapps adds: “This is a massive opportunity to drive forward our priority to grow the economy, which we are determined to seize.”
The initiative has been awarded £5.5m in funding from Innovate UK, which is working with the Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles to invest £41.5m in innovation projects across the UK that demonstrate real world benefits of connected and autonomous vehicles.
Mike Dawson, People and Corporate Services Director at Belfast Harbour, said: “Belfast Harbour has a long track record of delivering and supporting innovation, so we are delighted to be establishing the UK’s first operationally ready and commercially viable deployment of a fully automated shuttle service on publicly accessible roads within the Harbour Estate. This announcement supports our Smart Port ambitions and shows our commitment to the development of Belfast’s Innovation District.
“Electrified connected and automated vehicles offer a route to provide a clean, efficient, and affordable public transport that aligns with net zero targets and provides connectivity to other modes of transport.”
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