Wrightbus, a bus manufacturer based in Ballymena, serves as lead partner in the ASPIRE project. The initiative examines autonomous vehicle technology for public transport. It targets driver shortages and decarbonisation requirements faced by UK operators.

The UK Government funds ASPIRE through the Connected and Automated Mobility Pathfinder programme. The Department for Business and Trade delivers the programme with Innovate UK and Zenzic. ASPIRE ranks among eight projects selected in the Feasibility Studies 2 competition.

Partners include Loughborough University and Queen's University Belfast. Wrightbus and Queen's University Belfast maintain a research collaboration exceeding 25 years in powertrain and vehicle engineering.

Dr Andy Harris, Head of Research and Data Analytics at Wrightbus, stated the project addresses the sector's primary challenges of driver shortages and decarbonisation. He noted it explores combining autonomous technology with zero-emission vehicles to benefit operators and communities.

The study adopts a phased approach. It tests real-world applications, evaluates commercial viability, assesses safety and operations, and develops a deployment roadmap.

Mark Cracknell, Programme Director at Zenzic, indicated connected and automated mobility solutions can drive business opportunities and economic growth nationwide.

Claire Spooner, Director of Innovation Service at Innovate UK, said the funding supports development of solutions for various applications to enable company scaling.