Today we welcomed the Transport East Board to the City, where regional partners came together to discuss how the transport network can become more accessible, cleaner and better connected.
As part of the meeting, Suffolk County Council and consultancy partners brought the Ohmio LIFT autonomous shuttle bus to the Civic Centre for a live demonstration. The zero-emissions vehicle showed how emerging technology could help fill gaps in existing public transport, including a safety feature that stopped the shuttle automatically when a team member stepped into its path.
The modular shuttle has potential to provide new mobility links between bus and train routes or serve areas where traditional bus services are limited. For Southend, this represents opportunities for more flexible and greener travel, supporting the Council's wider goals around sustainable transport, reduced carbon emissions, and better walking, cycling and public transport connections.
Cllr Daniel Cowan, Leader of Southend-on-Sea City Council, said: “We need transport that works for people - easy, clean, and connected. Seeing the autonomous shuttle here in Southend shows what is possible.
“This is about exploring new ways to fill in the missing links in our transport network, and we'll now work with partners and residents to see how technology like this could fit into the City's future.”
This event builds on recent Council action to improve transport locally, including extending late-night bus services to support the evening economy and launching a new route connecting Leigh-on-Sea to London Southend Airport under the Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP).
It also forms part of Southend's commitment to a “smarter, greener future” through more buses, improved walking and cycling routes, expanded electric vehicle charging infrastructure, new mobility hubs, and better road and rail links.
A video of the shuttle in action outside the Civic Centre is available on our YouTube channel.