Autonomous Electric Bus Begins Passenger Service on First Connector Route in Cambridge

Bristol, UK 26th June 2025: Fusion Processing Ltd today proudly announces the commencement of passenger services on the Connector project in Cambridge, marking the start of a continuous automated public bus services in an urban environment.

The service was launched earlier this week using a Mellor Orion E electric midi bus, that will be joined later this year by two state-of-the-art Alexander Dennis Enviro100AEV 8.5m buses. In each case, the vehicles have been fitted with Fusion’s CAVStar® Automated Drive System, allowing the buses to drive autonomously, with a safety driver in the cab to ensure safety in operation.

This is a ground-breaking project as the autonomous bus service will operate for an extended period in a complex town environment with pedestrians, cyclists and other vehicles. The route launched this week links Madingley Road Park & Ride with the University of Cambridge’s Eddington neighbourhood and Cambridge West Innovation District. The trial passenger service is free and will enhance local connections, improving access to places of work and study, as well as community and sports facilities for those living and working in the area.

The Connector project is led by the Greater Cambridge Partnership and backed by Innovate UK and the Centre for Connected & Autonomous Vehicles (CCAV).

“This is a milestone moment for autonomous transport in the UK,” said Jim Hutchinson, CEO of Fusion Processing. “Automated transport increases safety and provides significant energy and operational cost savings. As the UK and other markets accelerate the introduction of automated public transport systems, Fusion are positioned at the front with our proven CAVstar® Automated Drive System that can be applied to any vehicle type.”

The vehicle completed extensive track testing and safety driver training earlier this year before entering public service. Passengers now have the chance to experience an autonomous journey aboard a purpose-built, fully electric bus operating seamlessly within a live urban environment.

We’re thrilled to begin welcoming passengers on this new automated bus service,” said Ed Cameron, Director from Whippet. “Buses are a vital part of the transport ecosystem, and projects like this demonstrate how innovation is driving the future of sustainable, accessible mobility.

Dan Clarke, Head of Innovation and Technology at the Greater Cambridge Partnership, said: “This is an exciting milestone, but it’s just the beginning. People may have already seen the bus going around Eddington and Cambridge West from Madingley Park & Ride recently, as, after the extensive on-track training with the drivers, we’ve been running the bus on the road without passengers to learn more about how other road-users people interact with the technology. We’re now moving gradually to the next stage of this trial by inviting passengers to use Connector.

“As with all new things, our aim is to introduce this new technology in a phased way that balances the trialling of these new systems with safety and the passenger experience. This will ensure we can learn more about this technology and showcase the potential for self-driving vehicles to support sustainable, reliable public transport across Cambridge.”

The Connector project is supported by a consortium including Fusion Processing, Alexander Dennis Limited, IPG Automotive, dRISK, Whippet Coaches and the Greater Cambridge Partnership.