Orkney Hosts Community Trial to Shape Britain’s Autonomous Shuttle Future
Orkney residents are being invited to participate in a live demonstration of autonomous shuttle technology as part of a UK-backed feasibility study exploring the future of rural transport. The event in Kirkwall during February, will allow members of the public to see and experience a self-driving Auto-Pod in operation and provide feedback to help shape future trials.
The Kirkwall AutoLink project, led by consultancy Urban Foresight with support from autonomous vehicle developer Aurrigo and transport partnership HITRANS, is assessing the potential for a zero-emission driverless shuttle service connecting Kirkwall Harbour with Kirkwall Airport. The initiative is part of the UK Government’s Connected and Automated Mobility (CAM) Pathfinder feasibility competition, which aims to accelerate the safe deployment of automated transport solutions across the country.
With over 160,000 passengers passing through the airport annually and around 90 per cent of journeys currently made by private car, project partners say autonomous shuttles could reduce emissions, enhance accessibility and strengthen local mobility. The demonstration event is designed both to showcase the technology and to gather public opinion, reflecting a broader focus on community-informed design in transport innovation.
Participants will be encouraged to share their experiences and views on autonomous systems, helping inform future trial design, regulatory readiness and potential deployment of larger shuttles. Organisers stress that public engagement is crucial to build understanding and trust in autonomous technologies, particularly in rural and island contexts where transport options are limited.
If successful, the findings from Orkney could influence wider UK approaches to connected and automated mobility, demonstrating how driverless, low-carbon transport might operate beyond urban centres.
