A prototype autonomous shuttle bus built by Ohmio is operating in Suffolk, UK, as part of a county council trial.
Suffolk County Council is hosting two public showcase events where visitors can ride the ADASTRA autonomous shuttle, speak with project staff and give feedback on how the technology could be used in local transport networks.
The events are designed to gather public views on how self-driving vehicles might operate alongside existing services and help address gaps in travel provision, particularly in rural areas.
The first event took place at Mildenhall Hub, Sheldrick Way, Mildenhall, on Saturday 7 February 2026. The second will be held at East Point Pavilion, Royal Plain, Lowestoft, on Saturday 28 February 2026 from 10 am to 2 pm.
The ADASTRA project is a feasibility study examining how autonomous shuttles could be integrated into a network of mobility hubs across Suffolk. These hubs would link different forms of transport, including walking and wheeling routes, cycling, buses, trains and shared travel options such as e-bikes and car clubs.
According to the council, driverless shuttles could be used on short local routes connecting housing developments and rural communities with main bus and rail corridors. The intention is to support connections where conventional services are limited or costly to operate.
The study is being delivered in partnership with Smart City Consultancy Limited and Ohmio UK. It is supported by a 75,000 GBP government grant awarded in May 2025 through the Connected and Automated Mobility Pathfinder programme. In total, the feasibility project has a budget of 325,000 GBP and is one of 14 schemes selected nationally for early-stage development work.
Councillor Chris Chambers, Suffolk County Council Cabinet member for Transport Strategy, said:Autonomous vehicles are not trying to replace cars, they are a means to fix specific, expensive gaps in transportation. As a council we are committed to delivering a range of transport options to meet the changing needs of the county, which is why we are undertaking this study.
We really want to hear what people think so I would urge people to come along, see the vehicles in action and take part in the survey.
The ADASTRA prototype vehicle is an Ohmio Lift shuttle built in New Zealand. It is designed to operate without a steering wheel or driver’s seat. While it can carry up to 14 passengers and reach speeds of 40mph, the trial configuration carries up to eight seated passengers, includes a safety operator on board, and runs at speeds of up to 15mph.
The shuttle is operated by Smart City Consultancy and is based at BT Adastral Park near Ipswich. It has previously been displayed at industry and public events, including EVEX 2025 and The Big Bus Show 2025.
