Suffolk County Council is making plans to trial self-driving electric shuttles across the region.
Backed by £75,000 in government funding, the council’s ADASTRA feasibility study will explore how connected and automated mobility (CAM) can increase accessibility, sustainability, and inclusivity, particularly in areas where traditional public transport falls short.
Named after BT’s innovation hub at Adastral Park, the ADASTRA project is one of 14 initiatives selected under the UK Government’s CAM Pathfinder Feasibility Studies Competition, led by Zenzic and Innovate UK.
A big part of Suffolk’s plan is a Mobility Hub concept. This is a system of connected transport points combining buses, walking, cycling, and automated tech. The idea is to use self-driving shuttles to link underserved rural communities with major transport corridors and new housing developments.
Working with Smart City Consultancy, Suffolk County Council will assess the practicalities of deploying the autonomous shuttles across Suffolk. These vehicles, developed by New Zealand-based Ohmio, are already being tested at BT Adastral Park. The shuttles can carry up to 15 people and are currently configured for eight seated passengers plus a safety driver. They are also fully electric.
Local residents will soon have the opportunity to experience the technology first-hand at a series of local events. Feedback from these sessions will help shape future plans, including how the shuttles might be integrated into everyday journeys.
“The use of self-driving, environmentally friendly shuttles operating alongside traditional services as part of a Mobility Hub network is a key component of our strategy. ADASTRA will enable us to test our ideas with passengers and stakeholders, giving people the chance to see the shuttles in action and build out the longer-term business case.”
Councillor Chris Chambers, Suffolk County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Strategy, Planning and Waste
With a national regulatory framework for CAM already under consultation, trials of self-driving passenger vehicles could be on UK roads in spring 2026.
“The deployment of CAM solutions in rural towns and cities has the potential to improve accessibility, reduce emissions, and create a more reliable and inclusive transport network. The Adastra project will be key to demonstrating this.”
Mark Cracknell, Programme Director at Zenzic
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