New Flyer, CTDOT to Deploy First Automated Transit Bus in North America

New Flyer of America Inc. will deploy North America’s first automated heavy-duty transit bus with the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT). The automated driving demonstration project will include the deployment of three 40-foot battery-electric, Xcelsior CHARGE™ heavy-duty transit buses.

The zero-emission deployment supports CTDOT’s demonstration project, funded by the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Integrated Mobility Innovation initiative, which supports projects demonstrating innovative and effective practices to enhance public transportation effectiveness, efficiency, quality, safety, and transit rider experience.

This marks the first time an automated heavy-duty transit bus will be deployed in revenue service in North America. The project team is led by the CTDOT and consists of New Flyer, New Flyer’s technology partner Robotic Research and the Center for Transportation and Environment (CTE), a nonprofit with extensive experience supporting FTA projects.

The project is focused on the successful demonstration of automated technology on public roads, collection of relevant data to inform future policymaking, and advancement of Advanced Driving Assist System technology for enhanced safety. The zero-emission electric buses will demonstrate Society of Automotive Engineers J3016 Level 4 technology with an on-board safety attendant to operate on the CTfastrak bus rapid transit corridor, a dedicated nine-mile-long facility for exclusive use by CTtransit buses.

New Flyer will integrate the Robotic Research automated driving technology into the Xcelsior CHARGE™ buses, CTE will serve as project manager and technical consultant for the program, and New Flyer Infrastructure Solutions™ will support the installation and integration of the electric bus charging equipment. Robotic Research will supply, configure, and support the automated driving systems integrated in the Xcelsior CHARGE™ buses.

The announcement follows New Flyer’s May 2019 launch of an Automated Technology Program and partnership with Maryland-based Robotic Research. For nearly 20 years, Robotic Research has been a leader in autonomous system development and deployment.