Interesting study to evaluate the feasibility of autonomous transportation

A potential connection between the Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital (NSECH) in Cramlington and the forthcoming Seaton Delaval railway station, currently under construction, is currently under evaluation. The aim is to enhance public transport accessibility to the hospital.

Innovate UK, a government-funded organization, has committed £160,000 to initiate a feasibility study for a zero-emissions autonomous vehicle project along this route. This initiative will be spearheaded by Dysart, a developer based in the North East.

Mike Clark, development director at Dysart, said: “This feasibility study has the potential to deliver world-first technology right on our doorsteps here in Cramlington.

The envisioned system, utilizing cutting-edge technology from the German company Dromos, would employ self-driving vehicles that can operate either independently or in a convoy along a dedicated route separated from other modes of transportation.

The company asserts that this technology ensures safety, offers a direct route, responds to demand, and provides reliability. It also enhances privacy and accessibility when compared to other modes of transportation.

The forthcoming feasibility study will assess various aspects of the proposal, including service delivery, user willingness, willingness to pay, carbon emissions, and accessibility. This study will be conducted at Newcastle University, building upon a previous examination of this technology’s use in Sunderland. Milestone Transport Planning will lead this effort.

If all proceeds as planned, the route could be operational within two years, with potential expansion to connect the railway station to Cramlington and Seghill. The Seaton Delaval station will serve as a stop on the Ashington to Newcastle railway line, part of the Northumberland Line project. Establishing this connection to the hospital has the potential to encourage more individuals to opt for public transportation in their journeys.

Construction of the station commenced in July, and the Northumberland Line is anticipated to welcome passengers for the first time since the 1960s in August 2024.