Service Alert

The Connect returns July 7, 2025 with expanded service and enhanced autonomous technology.

After a 4-week transition period, The Connect will begin fully autonomous operations—marking a national milestone in public AV transit. 

Introduction

The Connect AV Shuttle Service is Detroit's fully electric and wheel-chair accessible autonomous vehicle (AV) pilot program. This project is a significant step towards achieving a zero-emission public transportation system and setting new standards for sustainable urban mobility. The Connect shuttle service officially opened to the public on Tuesday, August 13, 2024.

Service Overview

The Connect shuttle service offers a fully electric, autonomous transit option that is free for all riders. The shuttles will operate on a 10.8-mile two-way route connecting key areas of Detroit, from Corktown through downtown Detroit to the East Jefferson Riverfront and back.

Key Details:

• Service Resumes: Monday, July 7, 2025
• Full Autonomous Operation Begins: Early August 2025
• Hours of Operation: 10:00AM-6:00PM
  • Regular Hours Resume: In November 2025, service will resume original hours of 7:00AM-7:00PM
• Frequency: Shuttles will arrive at stops approximately every 10 minutes during peak hours
• Accessibility: Riders can track shuttles in real-time at  https://theconnect.liftango.com/home

The pilot shuttles will be manually operated to allow for operations acclimation, analyze potential route adjustments, and verify the specific autonomous features needed for Detroit’s urban environment. Over time, additional capabilities and functionalities will be added, including full autonomous driving later this year in partnership with Perrone Robotics. Throughout the duration of the pilot, a safety operator will remain behind the wheel of The Connect shuttles at all times. The City of Detroit, along with its partners, will continue to engage with the community to gather feedback and make improvements to the service. 

Safety & Technology

As the Connect transitions to fully autonomous operations, trained safety operators remain onboard at all times to monitor systems and ensure passenger safety.

Route Map

The Connect service runs on a 10.8-mile route, linking Michigan Central to Bedrock’s 200 Walker Street on the East Jefferson Riverfront. This route was designed to serve key areas of Detroit, improving connectivity and access to essential destinations within the city.

10.8 mile two-way The Connect AV shuttle route, linking Michigan Central to Bedrock's 200 Walker Street

Real-Time Tracking & Accessibility

Use the Liftango app or the web platform to:

• Track your shuttle live

• Get arrival time estimates

• Plan your trip

• View stop info

Visit: theconnect.liftango.com, which is accessible via mobile devices or desktop. Video tutorial and user guides for the platform will be available when service opens on the official website.  

Project Partners

The Connect pilot is a collaborative effort involving several key partners who are dedicated to advancing sustainable urban mobility in Detroit.

• Bedrock
• Michigan Central
• State of Michigan’s Office of Future Mobility and Electrification (OFME)
• Perrone Robotics, Inc. - Selected as the preferred partner for autonomous vehicle technology, leveraging over 20 years of expertise in the field.

Funding & Support

The Connect project has received significant financial support to ensure its successful implementation and operation.

Funding Overview:

• Initial Funding: $1.5 million from Michigan Central, Bedrock, and the State of Michigan’s OFME, with each contributing $500,000.
• Additional Funding: $1.67 million from the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) to enhance the service by adding a fifth shuttle, reducing wait times, and extending the pilot by an additional year.

• This funding supports:

  • Expanded route coverage
  • Fifth shuttle added to the fleet
  • Service extension through 2026
  • Full AV system upgrades

Next Steps

As The Connect service returns, the City of Detroit and its partners will continue to engage with the community, gathering feedback to refine and improve the service. This pilot is not just a transit service but a demonstration of the future of urban mobility, aiming to serve as a model for cities nationwide.

Learn More

For more information about The Connect AV pilot shuttle service and to access the shuttle tracking web platform, please visit theconnect.liftango.com. Stay tuned for updates as we continue to shape the future of transportation in Detroit!

For any questions, please contact [email protected]