Sunderland is entering a new age of urban transportation as the Sunderland Advanced Mobility Shuttle (SAMS) arrives in the city. This forward-thinking initiative aims to revolutionize mobility and make transportation more accessible for both residents and visitors. The self-driving shuttle will soon be operational in the city, with passengers expected to start using it this spring.
The arrival of SAMS marks a significant milestone in Sunderland’s journey towards autonomous transportation. The focus will now shift towards ensuring the safety of passengers, as safety attendants receive training in managing autonomous operations effectively. This training phase commences in April and highlights Sunderland’s commitment to integrating self-driving technology safely and efficiently.
In preparation for the launch, authorities are working on mapping the shuttle’s route with the aim of optimizing its navigation capabilities and ensuring a seamless travel experience for passengers. SAMS has been designed specifically for the project by Aurrigo and will be trialled with three self-driving, zero-emission autonomous shuttles travelling on public roads between Sunderland Interchange, the University of Sunderland City Campus, and the Sunderland Royal Hospital. While safety operators will always be onboard, the project will develop and demonstrate a cyber secure remote supervision protocol, an important step towards commercial deployment.
SAMS represents a significant breakthrough that will redefine transportation norms and pave the way for a smarter, more sustainable future in Sunderland and beyond. The shuttle will use the 5G-enabled intelligent transport corridor, which will be established by Boldyn Networks along the vehicle route.
The SAMS initiative has been awarded £3m by the UK government and was matched by industry, bringing the total investment to £6m. This initiative is one of six successful CAM Deployment UK projects from the Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CCAV). The grants are part of the CCAV’s “Connected and Automated Mobility” programme, supported by CCAV, Innovate UK and Zenzic. The project is led by Sunderland City Council, in partnership with Aurrigo, Stagecoach, ANGOKA Ltd, Newcastle University, Swansea University and Boldyn Networks.
Patrick Melia, Chief Executive at Sunderland City Council, says “SAMS represents a significant leap forward in our efforts to embrace innovation and improve the quality of life for our residents. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this self-driving shuttle will have on urban mobility across Sunderland.”
