Detroit to launch free 'The Connect' autonomous shuttle 2-way route service

Detroit is launching its free autonomous shuttle service, which will run a two-way route, to the public next week.

The pilot program of "The Connect" is free and will begin running the 10.8-mile route at 7 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 13, from Corktown, cutting through downtown, to the East Jefferson riverfront, and back. Shuttles are expected to arrive every 10-15 minutes during peak hours, according to the city. The Michigan Department of Transportation will fund $1.67 million toward a fifth shuttle.

Shuttles will be manually operated in the beginning for a smooth performance and to ensure they are adapting to Detroit's urban environment. More functions will be added, including fully autonomous driving later this year through a partnership with Perrone Robotics. A safety operator will also be present throughout the pilot. The pilot will launch with four all-electric, wheelchair-accessible Ford E-Transit shuttles.

Operating hours are from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Friday. Riders can track the shuttles in real time at theconnect.liftango.com, which will be accessible on mobile devices. A video tutorial and user guides will be available when service opens on the official website.

Beyond the city, the project involves multiple partners, including Bedrock, Michigan Central, and the state's office of future mobility and electrification, which are funding $1.5 million in the first year. Perrone Robotics will operate the shuttles.

More information is available on the city's website through the office of mobility innovation.

Dana Afana is the Detroit city hall reporter for the Free Press. Contact: dafana@freepress.com. Follow her: @DanaAfana.