A three-year research service featuring the first U.S.-built, FMVSS- and ADA-compliant, SAE Level-4 automated bus, operating along a 5.12-mile route through Michigan State University’s campus from Lot 89 to central academic halls, the Wharton Center, and major residence halls.
ADASTEC, in partnership with Michigan State University Mobility, has introduced a new electric automated bus to the MSU campus. ADASTEC provides the automation platform powering this service. Through SpartanXpress, students from various MSU colleges will gain access to real-world testing data and apply lessons learned to their research.
The bus enables MSU to collect and analyze data on V2I (vehicle-to-infrastructure) communication technologies as well as experiential feedback from persons with disabilities to inform future design considerations. In addition to its educational role, SpartanXpress offers a new mobility option for students, faculty, staff, and visitors on campus.Ahead of the service launch, MSU Mobility hosted a bus naming contest. The winning name, “SpartanXpress,” was selected by public vote. Shelby Avey, a junior at MSU, submitted the name.
Enhanced Accessibility Across Campus
This automated bus operates on a 5.12-mile route across the MSU campus, traveling along four different roads with eight right turns and four left turns. The route is designed to enhance accessibility, connecting key locations such asLot 89 (a commuter lot heavily used by students), most of the academic halls in central campus, the Wharton Center, and the Akers/Fee/Hubbard dormitory halls. As an added safety measure, a human driver and a safety operator engineer will be on board at all times, ready to take control if needed.
Hours of Operation and Schedule:
The bus will run Monday through Friday, 10:05 a.m. to 3:25 p.m. (last departure from Lot 89 is 2:35 p.m.)
Riders will be picked up approximately every 50 minutes from the MSU Commuter Lot (#89)
The bus offers SAE Level-4 autonomy – meaning it can operate without any human interaction. However, as an added safety measure, a driver from ADASTEC’s East Lansing office will be present onboard at all times, prepared to take immediate control if needed.
MSU’s new electric automated bus is equipped with ADASTEC’s flowride.ai platform, which integrates a comprehensive sensor suite of advanced technologies for public transportation. The system combines LiDAR, radar, RGB cameras and C-V2X connectivity for real-time perception, localization and communication on open public roads. In addition to its onboard sensor fusion and safety capabilities, the cloud-based platform supports data sharing, mission control and intelligent fleet management, creating a living laboratory for connected and automated mobility.
Yes, the bus is ADA compliant and outfitted with a wheelchair ramp and automated wheelchair securement. It also features audio and visual support on board.
The bus generally travels at 25 mph along its route.
No, passengers will not be able to bring their bikes on the automated bus.
Check the Michigan State University campus-wide lost and found held at the Department of Public Safety & Security Office. Any items left on the bus (e.g. book, notebook, coat, gloves, backpack, keys, laptop, etc.) will be delivered to the Department of Public Safety & Security. The Department can be reached at 1120 Red Cedar Road, (517) 355-2221 or by the contact form via their website at police.msu.edu.