Autonomous passenger shuttle service set to launch in Belfast in 2025

An autonomous shuttle vehicle service is due to start in Belfast in 2025 following a partnership between Oxa and eVersum.

The two self-driving shuttles will each be capable of carrying up to 40 passengers around the Innovation District in Belfast Harbour Estate, as well as tourist attractions such as the revamped Titanic Belfast exhibition.

The shuttles will be part of the £11 million Harlander Project, which is part-funded by Innovate UK and the Centre for Connected & Autonomous vehicles (CCAV) and dedicated to solving transport issues in the Belfast area.

The Harlander Project is seen as a vital component in the area’s sustainable transport plan as current visitor numbers of over 3.6 million people a year are predicted to rise to more than 5.6 million by 2035 as a result of a major investment program.

Mike Dawson, people and digital transformation director at Belfast Harbour, said: “Belfast Harbour has a long track record of delivering and supporting innovation, so we are delighted to be working with Oxa and eVersum to deliver the UK’s first operationally ready and commercially viable automated shuttle service on publicly accessible roads within the Harbour Estate. 

“This partnership supports our Smart Port ambitions and shows our commitment to the development of Belfast’s Innovation District.” 

The rollout phase involves a period of closed operation during the first quarter of 2025, before the service opens up for passengers.

Each shuttle will have a human safety operator on board and be capable of carrying up to 20 people seated and 40 in total including standing room.

Oxa, a leading self-driving vehicle software developer, and eVersum, an electric commercial vehicle and passenger transport solution specialist, expect the Belfast project will be a blueprint for new public transport networks across the UK and internationally.

Gavin Jackson, CEO of Oxa, said: “The broader rollout of self-driving vehicles is starting and shuttling can lead the way as the fastest-evolving commercial arena for Oxa self-driving technology to make its mark internationally.

“With eVersum, we can deploy passenger carrying autonomous shuttle fleets almost anywhere and these flexible forms of transport will become widespread as a way of moving people and goods in a safer, more efficient and faster way.”

Project Harlander’s industry partners and supporters are BT, Horiba MIRA, Angoka and Zenzic.

It is the first major autonomous vehicle announcement since the UK Government announced  an automated vehicles bill in the King’s Speech earlier this week, one of 21 bills which the Government says will be its priority over the coming year or so.

In a briefing document from Number 10, the Government says that the automated vehicles bill will unlock a “transport revolution” by enabling the safe deployment of self-driving vehicles.