Autonomous trams trial planned for airport

A pilot project to introduce autonomous trams across Teesside is set to launch by the end of 2025. 

The trial, part of a £1 billion transport plan approved by Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA), will see autonomous vehicles transporting people and freight around Teesside International Airport. 

A £2 million proposal to establish a hub for the trams will go before the TVCA transport committee on March 11.

Officials say the initiative will test the technology ahead of expected Government legislation changes for autonomous vehicles by 2027, with future plans for a regional hop-on, hop-off transport service. 

Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen said: “Our airport has been at the forefront of using the very latest technology available – from hydrogen tugs and a new hydrogen fuel station to new scanners and our new 5G testbed to boost trade.

“So, it makes complete sense to use our airport as a pilot zone, learn from it and ensure we are perfectly primed to roll this out across Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool.

“We still need clarity from the Government on future funding to get this project fully running across our region – but we’re not standing still, and we’re determined to see this technology moving around our airport before the year is out.”

A decision on the proposal is set for March 28.

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